Male victims of Domestic Abuse

By Esme Hobbs

In the UK, the overwhelming perception of a domestic abuse victim is a female.

However, we also assist male victims of domestic abuse each week and it is important to acknowledge that domestic abuse does happen to both male and female victims.

ManKind Initiative is a charity that helps men escape domestic abuse.

Statistics reported from the charity earlier this year show that in 2018/19, 576,000 men (2.5% men) and 1.2 million women (4.8% women) were victims of partner abuse in 2018/19 equating to a ratio of two female victims to every one male victim.

Statistics also showed that in 2018/19 – 16 men (80 women) were killed at the hands of their current or ex-partner.

These are shocking and somewhat surprising statistics, and often people forget that there can be male victims of Domestic Abuse.

A stigma

Men often feel that there is a stigma attached to speaking out against a violent partner and feel weak. In 2017/18, nearly half of male victims fail to tell anyone they are a victim of domestic abuse (only 51% tell anyone). They are nearly three times less likely to tell anyone than a female victim (49% of men fail to tell anyone as opposed to 19% women).

It is important for any victim of domestic abuse to remember that abusive behaviour in whatever form should not be tolerated and constitutes a criminal offence.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse can occur in many forms, and can include;

Sexual Violence
Verbal Abuse
Coercive Control
Psychological Abuse
Physical / Domestic Violence
Financial Control

If you are suffering any of the above forms of domestic abuse or know of someone else who is, we can provide you with the appropriate advice.

We can help

We want to make victims aware that support services are available to provide support where possible and in turn we will be available to assist with necessary applications.

Our team can apply to the Court on your behalf for an injunction against your partner. An Injunction is an Order which can be used to keep you safe. If necessary, we can also provide immediate protection for your children.

The Injunction can place restrictions on your partner’s behaviour and prevent further violence or threats of violence.

There are two different types of Injunction we can apply for –

Non-molestation Order
Occupation Order

Domestic Abuse and COVID-19

Domestic Abuse levels have increased this year and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.

We want to make all victims aware that support services are still available to provide support where possible. In turn we will be available to assist with necessary applications, helping you and your family feel safe.

Our team continue to advise and assist both our current clients and new clients. Although we cannot have face to face meetings at this time we are available over the telephone or by email to take your instructions and continue to assist.