Domestic male victims of domestic violence: legal advice and support

You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. If you’re a man experiencing violence, your pain is real despite what society suggests. Thousands of male victims across the UK suffer in silence, questioning whether they’ll be believed or whether help exists. You deserve protection, support, and justice. While the legal system has historically overlooked men facing domestic abuse or sexual violence, significant protections now exist for male survivors. Speaking with a specialist criminal law or family law solicitor can help you reclaim control.

Uncover the shocking truth about how the UK justice system fails male domestic abuse victims.

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Male violence statistics and breaking the stigma

The numbers reveal a shocking truth: male violence is far more common than society acknowledges. Recent data reveals the true scale of violence against men in the UK:

Domestic abuse against men:

• 196,381 male victims reported domestic abuse to police in 2024; up 7.7% since 2020.
• 712,000 men actually experienced domestic abuse, meaning 515,000 never reported it.
• One in five men (21.7%) have been victims in their lifetime; 41% of all domestic abuse cases.

Sexual violence statistics:

• 12,000 men aged 16-59 are raped annually in the UK.
• 1 in 20 men experience rape or sexual assault as adults.
• 275,000 male victims have experienced sexual assault since age 16.

Statistics male vs female:

• 21% of male survivors never tell anyone about their abuse.
• Only 60 organisations provide 436 refuge spaces for men nationwide.
• Female victim cases are 45.77% more likely to result in criminal charges.

These figures prove that violence against men isn’t rare; it’s just invisible due to stigma, inadequate support services, and systemic bias in the criminal justice system.

Legal protections and support routes for male survivors

The law protects men just as fiercely as women; you simply need to know how to access it. Recent legislative changes have strengthened protections for all domestic abuse victims, including male survivors.

Emergency legal protection:

• Friends and family can now apply for these orders on behalf of male victims.
• Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) can be issued immediately by police to protect victims from further harm.
• Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) launched in November 2024 come with no time limit and electronic tagging powers.

Civil court orders:

• Non-molestation orders prevent threats, harassment, and unwanted contact regardless of the victim’s gender.
• Restraining orders are issued in criminal courts after conviction or acquittal to protect victims from further abuse.
• These orders typically last 6-12 months but can be extended or made indefinite depending on circumstances.

Specialist support services:

• ManKind Initiative maintains a directory of local services supporting men across the UK.
• Men’s Advice Line provides confidential support specifically designed for male domestic abuse victims.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline operates 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 and supports all genders free of charge.

Legal process:

• Applications are made using form FL401 with no court fee required for victims.
• Emergency applications are possible if the abusive incident occurred within the past week.
• Government has ringfenced £47.1 million for community-based domestic abuse services, including support for male victims.

How violence against men differs from cases involving women

The abuse itself may look similar, but the world’s response to male victims tells a completely different story. These differences aren’t about minimising women’s experiences; they’re about recognising the unique barriers men face.

Nature and perception of abuse:

• 98% of men calling helplines report psychological abuse, 82% coercive control, 69% physical abuse, and 29% economic abuse.
• Research shows men tend to view female-perpetrated abuse as “relatively inconsequential,” while women express “fear, bewilderment and helplessness.”
• Male-on-female violence causes significantly more fear and severe injuries than female-on-male violence.

Criminal justice response:

• Cases involving female victims are 45.77% more likely to result in criminal charges than those with male victims.
• In 2023, 73.5% of police-recorded domestic abuse cases involved female victims, compared to 26.5% male victims.
• Women are three times more likely to be arrested during domestic abuse incidents despite representing 84% of victims.

Reporting and help-seeking:

• 58.9% of men calling helplines have never spoken to anyone before about their abuse, and 64% wouldn’t call if services weren’t anonymous.
• Only 10% of male victims report to police compared to 27% of women, and 19% seek professional help versus 44% of women.
• Male helplines don’t operate weekends, forcing men to use female-focused services that may refuse them support.

Support services gap:

• 95% of high-risk IDVA service users and 94% of MARAC referrals are women.
• In 2021, only 58 out of 238 refuge spaces were committed to supporting male survivors.
• Only 4.8% of people supported by local domestic abuse services are men, despite comprising 40% of victims.

Mental health impact:

• 6.5% of male victims consider suicide due to abuse compared to 2.8% of women.
• ManKind Initiative estimates 3-5 men die by suicide weekly due to domestic abuse.

The reality is stark: while women face more severe physical violence and higher homicide rates, men encounter systemic disbelief, inadequate services, and societal shame that keeps them trapped in silence.

FAQs

• Can male victims get emergency accommodation if they flee abuse? Yes, but only 60 organisations provide 436 refuge spaces for men nationwide. Contact Men’s Advice Line or local councils who have legal duties to house homeless domestic abuse victims.
• Will my children be taken away if I report my female partner for abuse? No. Reporting abuse doesn’t trigger automatic child removal. Family courts recognise protecting yourself also protects children from witnessing violence.
• What happens if my abuser claims I was the perpetrator when police arrive? Stay calm, document injuries, and request a specialist officer. Women are arrested three times more often despite being 84% of victims. Evidence like texts helps counter false allegations.

Violence against men isn’t rare, it’s hidden by stigma and inadequate support. Male victims deserve equal protection, justice, and belief. You’re not alone, you’re not to blame, and help exists. Break the silence, access your rights.

Don’t let gender stereotypes deny you justice!

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

• One in five men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, comprising 41% of all victims, yet over 515,000 male victims never report to police annually.
• Male victim cases are 45.77% less likely to result in charges, and only 4.8% of domestic abuse services support men despite representing 40% of victims.
• Legal protections exist including new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, specialist helplines, and experienced solicitors who understand male victims’ unique barriers.