The Silent Struggle: Domestic Abuse Against Men and the Lack of Support

When we think of domestic abuse, our minds often go immediately to women as victims. While women are indeed the majority, research consistently shows that men make up around 25–40% of all domestic abuse victims worldwide. Yet, their experiences often remain invisible.

This silence is dangerous. Behind the numbers are real men—husbands, fathers, and sons—suffering in homes that should be safe. For us as a Christian community, it’s important to shine a light on this reality and extend compassion where society often overlooks it.

The Global Picture

Studies suggest that 1 in 6–7 men worldwide will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

In the UK alone, around 3% of men (712,000) reported experiencing domestic abuse in 2024.

Lifetime prevalence is even higher: more than 1 in 5 men (21.7%) in England and Wales have been victims of domestic abuse since the age of 16.

Clearly, male domestic abuse is not rare—it is simply under-recognised.

Why Are Male Victims Less Visible?

1. Stigma and Gender Norms

Society often paints men as strong protectors, not vulnerable victims. Admitting abuse can feel like weakness, leading many men to suffer in silence. Up to half of male victims never tell anyone about their abuse.

2. Limited Support Services

While shelters and services for women are widespread, very few exist for men. In the UK, only 4–5% of refuge spaces are available to male victims, leaving many without safe options.

3. Institutional Blind Spots

Police, healthcare workers, and social services are often not trained to identify or respond to male victims. Too often, men reporting abuse fear being dismissed—or even wrongly viewed as the aggressor.

4. Lack of Awareness

Because domestic abuse is usually framed as a “women’s issue,” funding, research, and awareness campaigns rarely highlight male victims. This invisibility reinforces their silence.

A Christian Perspective

The Bible is clear: violence in the home is not part of God’s plan. Husbands and wives are called to love and serve one another in Christlike humility. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). Likewise, “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22).

Abuse—whether against a man or woman—violates God’s design for marriage as a covenant of love, respect, and unity (Genesis 2:24). It is a distortion of the biblical call to sacrificial love.

Why This Matters

Domestic abuse against men is not only a justice issue—it is a gospel issue. Every victim is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). When the Church ignores or minimises their pain, we fail in our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

We must break the silence, offer compassionate support, and create safe spaces for men as well as women to find healing.

Domestic abuse against men is far more common than many believe. The statistics are sobering, but they call us to action: to acknowledge the suffering, to challenge harmful stigmas, and to ensure that all victims, male or female, know that there is hope, help, and healing in Christ.

As Jesus said, “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32). By speaking truth about male domestic abuse, we take a step toward setting countless men free from silence, shame, and suffering.

Come Broken exists to be a voice for the hurting. If you are experiencing abuse, please know—you are not alone. Reach out. There is hope.

Email us.at willandefe@comebroken.co.uk