Myths vs Facts: Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
Male victims of domestic abuse are too often overlooked, misunderstood or expected to stay silent. Breaking the Cycle is a six-part series of blogs written by our Training Team Manager, Julia Gatie. In them she challenges the myths, explores the stigma men face, and reinforces one vital message: anyone can experience abuse, and everyone deserves support.
This final blog focuses on the myths verses the facts for male victims experiencing domestic abuse.
Myths vs Facts: Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
Challenging misconceptions is essential to improving awareness and support. Here are some of the most common myths about male victims of domestic abuse, alongside the realities backed by evidence.
Myth 1: Male victims of domestic abuse are rare
Fact: Male victims are far from rare. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that around 1.5 million men experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025. 1
Men consistently make up a significant proportion of victims, around one third in many datasets.
Myth 2: Domestic abuse against men is increasing rapidly
Fact: ONS data over the past decade shows that male victimisation rates have remained relatively stable, typically within a similar range each year.
What has increased is awareness, recognition, and reporting, not necessarily prevalence.
Myth 3: Abuse against men is usually minor or not serious
Fact: Male victims can experience the same forms of abuse as anyone else, including:
- Coercive control
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Physical violence
While women are more likely to experience severe or repeated harm overall, male victims still face serious risks and long-term impacts.
Myth 4: Men can easily leave abusive situations
Fact: Leaving an abusive situation is complex for any victim. Men may face additional barriers such as:
- Fear of not being believed
- Concerns about losing access to children
- Shame and stigma
- Limited awareness of support services
Abuse is about control, not physical strength, making it difficult for anyone to leave.
Myth 5: Men are usually the perpetrators, not the victims
Fact: While women are statistically more likely to be victims, the data clearly shows both men and women experience domestic abuse in significant numbers.
Domestic abuse is not defined by gender, it is defined by patterns of power, control, and harm.
Myth 6: If a man doesn’t report abuse, it must not be serious
Fact: Domestic abuse is widely underreported for all victims. ONS data highlights that many cases never come to the attention of police or services. 2
For men specifically, barriers like stigma, shame, and fear of disbelief can make reporting even less likely.
Myth 7: There isn’t really a need for support services for men
Fact: The consistent number of male victims, around 1.5 million each year, demonstrates a clear and ongoing need for support. 1
Inclusive services are essential to ensure all victims/survivors can access help safely and confidently.
Key Takeaway
The biggest myth of all is that male victims/survivors of domestic abuse is unusual or new. The reality is that it has been consistently present but often overlooked.
National Services
If you are a man affected by domestic abuse, please reach out for help and support:
- For an emergency injunction contact NCDV – 0800 970 2070 or Text “NCDV” to 60777
- Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
- Mankind Initiative – 0808 800 1170 https://mankind.org.uk/
- Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales) – 0808 8010 800 https://www.gov.wales/live-fear-free
- LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
References
1 Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview – Office for National Statistics
2 Domestic abuse prevalence and trends, England and Wales – Office for National Statistics
