Practical Advice

Domestic abuse is a crime. If you are a male victim of domestic abuse, you may have found it difficult to find adequate help and support. Unfortunately there is still a belief among some that men simply cannot be victims of domestic abuse. This can make it even more difficult for male victims to confide in anyone about what is happening which can lead to depression, despair, low self esteem, a feeling of hopelessness and isolation.

If you are a man who is being abused in this way there are people out there who can offer support, understanding, information, advice, and help. If you are a male victim of domestic abuse you do not need to put up with it and there are some practical things which you should do:

• Keep a diary of all incidents of abuse with dates, times and details of the abuse.
• If you receive any injuries report this to your doctor and ensure that you tell him this was due to domestic violence.
• If possible get photos of the injuries. Pictures should clearly show both close-ups and a full shot of the person. A close-up of a bruised arm or leg could belong to anybody
• Don't leave home unless you are threatened (unless the situation is so bad that you need to leave for the sake of your health, safety, and state of mind).
• Do try and tell family and friends exactly what is happening and do not cover up the abuse and/or make excuses for your partner.
• If you are provoked do try not to retaliate otherwise your partner can manipulate this to look as though she/he is the injured party.
• Seek legal advice as soon as possible.
• Seek emotional support/counselling as soon as possible.
• Do ensure you have the items on-hand that you will need to take with you in case you have to leave quickly. i.e. driving licence, passport, national insurance number, child benefit book, birth certificate, contact numbers etc.

If you would like to know more about what will happen when the police get involved you can speak to one of their specialist domestic violence officers by calling 0845 8505 505 or by going to your nearest police station.

There is nothing to stop you from making an application to the court for:

• an occupation order to exclude the abuser from your home
• a non-molestation order restraining the abuser from causing or threatening you or a member of your household
• an injunction against the abuser to keep them away from you and your home

Please contact us on 087 1223 9986 if you need a solicitor to help you make an emergency application to obtain a court order. We have a list of specialist domestic violence solicitors who are available on week-day mornings.

If you are forced to flee your home because you are a victim of domestic violence or you are receiving threats of violence and you are in a vulnerable position of having nowhere else that you can afford to go, your Council's Housing Department has a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Act 2002.

This Page Was Last Updated

Monday 5 March, 2007 11:06

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