Domestic abuse help

One in five men are affected by domestic violence or abuse in their home. This can be in the form of (but is not restricted to):

• Psychological and emotional abuse - including being constantly humiliated and degraded, being made to keep the house to exacting standards, threats to children and threats to oneself
• Sexual abuse - including rape, sexual assault, enforced prostitution and being forced to engage in unwanted sex acts and abuse
• Physical abuse - including slapping, shoving, punching, pushing, kicking, burning, stabbing. Physical abuse can sometimes start off with a 'minor' incident, but can often lead to serious injury such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, persistent ill-health and worse
• Economic abuse - the offender might refuse to pay child maintenance or anything for the children, force to account for every penny, not permit to work or earn money independently, not provide any money to go anywhere or to buy essential items, possibly with the argument it will be 'wasted on silly things'. The offender might also threaten to take to court, disallow use of any utilities in the home, get into debt, or incite or commit acts of fraud
• Controlling behaviours – a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour
• Coercive behaviours – a continuing act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim

Any male experiencing domestic abuse can access support from the following services:

• Helpline and engagement Service: provided by Free from Violence and Abuse (FREEVA). FREEVA offer a range of services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence (DA/SV). They are the ‘front door’ into any domestic/sexual abuse and will complete an initial support, advice and assessment to access DA/SV support across Leicestershire. As appropriate service users will receive further ongoing support from relevant services (including one to one, groupwork both face to face and via digital platforms, refuge and dispersed accommodation). Contact 0808 802 0028
• Domestic abuse locality service: provided by Living Without Abuse (LWA). LWA provides information, advice, guidance and practical and emotional support to anybody experiencing domestic abuse in Leicestershire. The service also offers outreach support to all victims of domestic abuse. Further information can be found by visiting living without abuse (lwa.org.uk)
• Men's Aid: Men's Aid is a registered charity which has been set up in Milton Keynes to provide free practical advice and support to men who have been abused. The helpline number is 0333 567 0556 open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday or you can contact them by emailing help@mensaid.co.uk. Please visit Men's Aid (mensaid.co.uk) for further information
• Men’s Advice Line: Helpline 0808 801 0327, email info@mensadviceline.org.uk or for further information visit respect: mens advice line (mensadviceline.org.uk)
• Galop: provides advocacy and casework support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse or violence. Helpline 0800 999 5428 or for further information visit, galop (galop.org.uk)
• Age UK: 0800 678 1174
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• The Hideout (thehideout.org.uk): the national domestic violence website for children and young people
• Samaritans: 0845 790 9090

Last updated: 04/10/2023 14:07