Men are victims of domestic abuse too

More men are now coming forward to report domestic abuse. Increased awareness, media coverage, and campaigns are helping to challenge outdated stereotypes—but significant barriers remain. This blog outlines the latest UK data and what it tells us about male victims.

What do the latest UK statistics show?

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics and ManKind Initiative highlights the scale of the issue:

• Around 699,000 men (3.0%) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023, compared with ~1.6 million women (6.9%)
  → roughly 1 in 3 victims are male

• Men account for approximately 25–30% of all domestic abuse victims in the UK

• Homicide data shows that each year, around 1 in 4 victims of partner homicide are male
  (e.g. ~20–30 men vs ~80–100 women annually)

• Help-seeking remains low:

  • Only around 50% of male victims tell anyone

  • Men are significantly less likely than women to seek formal support or report to police

• According to ManKind Initiative:

  • Refuge/safe accommodation for men remains extremely limited

  • Fewer than 2% of refuge spaces in the UK are dedicated to men

  • Large areas of the UK still have little or no provision

The wider “mankind” context (mental health and suicide)

Domestic abuse does not exist in isolation. It intersects strongly with male mental health:

• Around 75% of suicides in the UK are male

• Men aged 45–54 remain the highest-risk group

• Male victims of domestic abuse are more likely to experience:

  • depression

  • substance misuse

  • suicidal thoughts

Earlier data suggested over 1 in 10 male victims had considered suicide due to partner abuse—this remains a critical concern in 2026.

Men face the same types of abuse as women

Domestic abuse against men includes:

• Physical abuse

• Coercive control

• Sexual abuse

• Psychological or emotional abuse

• Financial abuse

The perpetrator can be male or female.

Are men less likely to speak out?

Yes—and this remains one of the biggest challenges.

Men are still significantly less likely to disclose abuse. Key reasons include:

• Fear of not being believed

• Shame and stigma

• Concerns about masculinity and being judged

• Fear of losing contact with children

• Lack of visible support services

Societal expectations around “being strong” or “managing alone” continue to act as a barrier. While attitudes are improving, progress is slow.

What help is available for male victims?

Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult, particularly when children, finances, and housing are involved.

Support options include:

• Confidential helplines

• Specialist charities (including ManKind Initiative)

• Refuge or safe accommodation (though limited for men)

• Support from trusted friends or family

A refuge is more than just a place to stay—it provides:

• Emotional support

• Practical advice

• Help rebuilding independence

Local support

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone else, you can contact:

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline
📞 08 088 088 088 (Free & confidential)

They can:

• Help you find safe accommodation

• Provide tailored advice

• Signpost to specialist services

Recognising the signs

Domestic abuse is not always visible. Signs may include:

• Changes in behaviour or mood

• Withdrawal from friends/family

• Anxiety or depression

• Physical injuries or frequent “accidents”

• Financial control or isolation

If you’re concerned about someone:

• Encourage open conversation

• Listen without judgement

• Reassure them they are not to blame

• Help them access support