Family Solicitors

There is a common misconception in society today that it is men who are (physically) stronger than women and as such, are incapable of being victims of Domestic Violence. However, this is incorrect and according to UK Government statistics 1 in 6 men will be victims of domestic violence at some stage in their life. Moreover, 2 out of every 5 victims of Domestic Violence are male with approximately 4 million men affected on a yearly basis. Such statistics emphasise the fact that domestic abuse is not something to which women are exclusively subjected to. Moreover, it is time for society to recognise the strong impact that psychological and emotional abuse can have on an individual whether male or female.

The UK Crown Prosecution Service defines ‘domestic violence’ as a term describing a range of controlling and coercive behaviours, used by one person to maintain control over another with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship. However, contrary to what the term ‘domestic violence’ actually suggests, there need not be any physical violence. Regardless of gender, an array of psychological, emotional and financial abuse all falls within the ambit of domestic violence.

One of the primary hurdles faced by male victims of domestic abuse is finding the strength to speak out and seek help. It is widely acknowledged that many male victims suffer for years because they fear that they will be ridiculed by their peers. The British Crime Survey found that only 10% of male victims had reported abuse to the police when compared with 29% of women. Male victims also appear to have a strong lack of faith in the justice system. Stigma and fear of being disbelieved or not taken seriously by the authorities is also another barrier preventing male victims from taking action. However, the same legal remedies are available to both male and female victims. There is legislation in place that provides protection to victims of domestic abuse who fall within the definition of ‘associated persons’. This definition is wide and includes (but not limited to) parties:

• who are/have been married to each other,


• who are relatives,


• who have/have had an intimate personal relationship of significant duration or


• who are parents or have Parental Responsibility for the same child.

If parties fall within the ambit of this legislation, they can apply to the Courts for Court Orders such as a Non Molestation Order which forbids the abusive party from harassing/pestering, using/threatening violence towards, communicating with or even coming within a certain distance of the victim. Applications to the Court can be made on an emergency basis and this means that the abusive party does not become aware of the Court proceedings until the Order has been granted and served upon him/her. Further orders can be obtained to regulate the occupation of the family home which may result in the removal of the abusive party from the property in cases where parties live together.

Accordingly, male victims of Domestic abuse are afforded a vast amount of protection from the Courts. With the knowledge that such protection exists, male victims can have the confidence to now feel that they are in a position to take action against an abusive partner or associated person to ensure that they need not continue to suffer. Knowledge dispels fear.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, male or female, you should seek legal advice immediately. If you know someone who is a victim then it is paramount that they seek legal assistance to protect themselves. In most cases, the time span between taking initial instructions and attending Court is very quick, often between 24 and 48hours.

Author is Savita Sharma, Director & Family Law Solicitor at Legal 500 Leading Firm, Duncan Lewis.