Support for male victims of domestic abuse

Reduce the Risk

• Write down dates and times of when you’ve been physically or verbally abused. Go to A&E or see your GP if you have been injured. All notes they make of your injury will be fully confidential by law.
• Keep your phone charged and on you at all times, in case you need to make emergency calls.
• Keep your passport and copies of important documents in a safe place outside the home. You might want to choose a trusted friend or relative to leave them with.
• Report any violence or criminal damage to the police.
• Tell a friend, family member or your employer about what is happening.
• If the situation escalates, you could get hurt, or end up hurting the abuser. If the police are called and you’re seen as the abuser, you could be arrested so try not to retaliate if it isn’t necessary. Instead, try to leave any situation which may become violent.
• Report domestic abuse incidents to the police.

Male victims of domestic abuse often tell us that they don’t want to involve the police. They’re worried about the abuser getting into trouble, and don’t think the police will believe them or take action.

The police will take your allegations seriously, but they can only help if you report the abuse in the first place.

What to expect:

• First, the police will take immediate steps to stop the violence, such as making sure you and your children (if you have them) are safe and arresting the abuser and escorting them from the property.
• You and any witnesses will be asked for statements, so that the police can investigate what happened.
• The police will collect evidence. This might include taking photographs of any damage and injuries done to you or your children.
• You and your abuser will be spoken to separately.
• You’ll be kept informed of the progress of the case.
• If you are frightened or in danger, call 999.