Domestic abuse behaviour can be physical, psychological, sexual or financial. 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or have been subjected to patterns of bullying or controlling behaviours, whether in an intimate or family relationship, it’s abuse – and it’s time to take action. 

Abuse is rarely a one-off event, and domestic abuse behaviour tends to get worse over time. 

It’s important to realise that your abuser is responsible for their own actions. Abusive behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable under any circumstances. 

National statistics (UK)

• UK data commonly reports that around 1 in 6–7 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
• More recent ONS estimates suggest about 21.8% of men (around 1 in 5) have experienced domestic abuse since age 16.
• ONS-based estimates show around one-third of victims are male, with roughly 750,000 men experiencing domestic abuse in a typical year.
• Domestic abuse is significantly under-reported. Fewer than a quarter of incidents are reported to police, and many male victims say they have never told anyone about the abuse.
• Many male victims never disclose the abuse and often cite shame, stigma, and fear of not being believed.

Do men experience domestic abuse? 

Abuse is experienced by people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, genders, gender identities and sexualities. It affects people of different abilities, and happens across every class background. Whoever you are and whatever abuse you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. 

Are you being bullied or controlled? 

Then you are being abused. Abuse takes on many different forms – see Men’s Advice Line for more information the types of abuse. 

Where can I get help if I think I am experiencing abuse?