Breaking the Silence: Domestic Abuse Against Men

When we think of domestic abuse, the image that often comes to mind is a female victim and a male perpetrator. While this is a significant and well-documented issue, it is far from the complete picture. One of the most overlooked and underreported aspects of domestic abuse is abuse against men. It’s time we shine a light on the silent suffering of countless male victims.

The Hidden Epidemic

Domestic abuse against men remains a largely hidden issue due to societal stigma, underreporting, and a lack of services tailored to male victims. Many men suffer in silence, feeling ashamed, afraid of disbelief, or worried they will be seen as weak.

Key Statistics (UK-focused):

• 1 in 3 domestic abuse victims are male (Crime Survey for England and Wales, ONS).
• In 2022, 757,000 men reported being victims of domestic abuse in the UK.
• Men account for 26% of domestic abuse-related crimes reported to police.
• Only 51% of male victims tell anyone about their abuse, compared to 81% of women.
• There are fewer than 40 refuge spaces for male victims in the UK, compared to over 4,000 for women.

“I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I was supposed to be the strong one.”
— A male survivor of emotional and physical abuse

Types of Abuse Men Experience

Just like female victims, men can be subjected to a range of abusive behaviours:

• Physical violence (hitting, slapping, choking)
• Coercive control (isolating from family, monitoring phone/social media)
• Emotional/psychological abuse (belittling, threats, gaslighting)
• Financial abuse (withholding money, sabotaging employment)
• Sexual abuse (often overlooked but very real)

Abuse may also occur in same-sex relationships, adding another layer of stigma and complexity.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Men face unique challenges when trying to access support:

• Fear of being ridiculed or not believed
• Lack of services geared toward male survivors
• Fear of losing access to children
• Cultural or religious pressure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity

The result? Many men suffer in silence—sometimes for years—before seeking help, if ever.

What Needs to Change

To better support male victims of domestic abuse, we must:

• Acknowledge that men can be victims too
• Improve funding for male-specific refuges and counselling services
• Train frontline professionals (police, social workers, GPs) to recognise signs of male abuse
• Challenge societal stereotypes about masculinity and vulnerability

Support and Resources for Men (UK)

If you or someone you know is a man experiencing domestic abuse, there is help available:

• Men’s Advice Line
  📞 0808 801 0327
  🌐 mensadviceline.org.uk
  Confidential support, Monday–Friday.
• ManKind Initiative
  📞 01823 334244
  🌐 mankind.org.uk
  One of the UK’s leading charities supporting male victims.
• SurvivorsUK
  🌐 survivorsuk.org
  Support for male survivors of sexual violence.

Final Thoughts

Domestic abuse is not defined by gender—it is defined by pain, control, and fear. It’s time to break the silence surrounding male victims and create a world where every survivor, regardless of gender, feels seen, supported, and safe.

If you’re reading this and you’re suffering—you are not alone. Help is out there, and you deserve to be heard.