Men at Risk

Domestic violence, for so long considered to solely affect women, claims the lives of over 30 men per year nationwide. One man in six will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in his life.

Domestic violence is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident. More usually it's a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim.

Domestic violence occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. The figures show, however, that it consists mainly of violence by men against women. However, men are by no means exclusively the perpetrators of the crime.

Taboo subject

Domestic violence against men is a taboo subject that is rarely aired in public because often men are too ashamed to admit it's happening or they lack proof that the attacks have taken place.

Victims of domestic violence suffer on many levels from health and housing to education. They lose the freedom to live their lives how they want and without fear.

An exhaustive and comprehensive support system exists for female victims of domestic violence. However, male victims often feel isolated and more worryingly embarrassed due to a lack of social support for their plight.