Currently, male victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, and so-called honour-based violence are grouped in the same category as female victims.

We are calling for that to change.

In the year ending March 2024, 712,000 men experienced domestic violence.

Under the governments gendered framework of abuse, , this abuse is classed as violence against women.

For the last 15 years, successive governments have grouped male victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, and so-called honour-based violence into the same category as female victims.

This approach has led to significant challenges for male survivors seeking support and recognition.

Recent research by the University of Central Lancashire found that:

88% of male survivors believed the government does not care about them.

89% said the policy made it harder for them to get help, and

90% felt invisible.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said: “The term ‘violence against women and girls’ refers to acts of violence or abuse that we know disproportionately affect women and girls. Crimes and behaviour covered by this term include rape and other sexual offences, domestic abuse, and stalking”.

“Men and boys can obviously be victims of those crimes as well, and many of the measures we have introduced apply equally to them too, including the launch of new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, the strengthening of anti-stalking powers, and plans to embed domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms.”

The current framework’s focus on violence against women and girls, while crucial, inadvertently marginalises male victims.

The cultural bias that men are typically perpetrators rather than victims exacerbates this issue.

This bias can lead to a lack of tailored support services for men, making it difficult for them to seek help and receive appropriate care.

Charities and advocacy groups are urging the government to adopt a more inclusive approach that recognises the unique experiences of male victims.

This includes:

Creating Dedicated Support Services – Establishing services specifically for male victims to ensure they receive the help they need without stigma or bias.

Raising Awareness – Increasing public awareness about male victimisation to challenge stereotypes and encourage more men to come forward.

Policy Reform – Revising policies to explicitly include male victims and ensure they are considered in all aspects of support and protection.

Addressing the needs of male victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, and honour-based violence requires a shift in both policy and societal attitudes.

By recognising and supporting all victims, regardless of gender, we can create a more inclusive and effective framework for tackling these serious issues.