Important to know that men suffer from domestic abuse too

The Office for National Statistics figures show every year that one in the three victims of domestic abuse are male equating to approximately 757,000 men. This is a significant problem that often goes unrecognised and unreported. Did you know that one in 6-7 men and one in 4 women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime?

This is evidence that every case of domestic abuse, for both males and females, should be taken seriously and each individual given access to the support they need.

Domestic abuse is not just limited to physical violence. It can also take the form of emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Men who experience domestic abuse may be subjected to verbal insults, threats and manipulation. They may also have their money or property taken from them without their consent.

The effects of domestic abuse on men can be devastating. They may suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues as a result of the abuse. They may also experience physical injuries, such as bruises and broken bones. In extreme cases, domestic abuse can even lead to death.

One of the reasons that domestic abuse against men is often overlooked is because of attitudes and stereotypes about masculinity. Men are often expected to be strong and independent and seeking help for domestic abuse may be seen as a sign of weakness. This can make it difficult for men to speak out about their experiences and get the help they need.

It is important to recognise that domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Men who are experiencing domestic abuse should not be ashamed to seek help.

It is also crucial to raise awareness about domestic abuse against men. By educating people about the issue and encouraging victims to speak out, we can help to reduce the stigma and make it easier for men to get the help they need.

There are many organisations and support groups that can provide assistance and support to men who are in abusive situations.

On our 17 August 2022 virtual meeting, ‘For Men To Talk’ invited back ‘The Paul Lavelle Foundation’ for the first time since November 2020 to give us a presentation. Named after Paul Lavelle, who tragically passed away from a domestic abuse incident in 2017, the charity was created to raise awareness of male domestic abuse, support male victims and survivors and provide healthy relationship education as a preventative measure.

Due to the gap in service for support for males experiencing domestic abuse, the response to the Foundation grew considerably.  Their office was opened in February 2019 by Barbara Lavelle and Neville Southall, ex-Everton goalkeeper, and has grown from strength to strength ever since.   

We know that domestic abuse is a serious problem that affects men as well as women. It is important to recognise that men can be victims of domestic abuse and to provide support and assistance to those who are in need. By raising awareness and providing support, we can help to reduce the incidence of domestic abuse and improve the lives of those who have been affected by it.