Domestic abuse can affect anyone. Male victims, however, face added barriers to seeking help, as well as stigma and embarrassment.
The work we do on Men’s Advice Line takes place alongside other activities Respect carries out, to ensure male victims get help and support:
Training
We train organisations and Frontline Workers to understand the experiences of male victims and develop skills to support them.
Working for better services for male victims
We have launched a quality assurance scheme, the Respect Male Victims Standard, to improve the quality and outcome of services working with male victims.
Research
- We carry out research in collaboration with reputable academic institutions, so that we continue to develop the learning and knowledge base for male victims:
- The latest research project with Durham University’s Centre for Violence and Abuse is called ‘Living a life by permission. The experiences of male victims of domestic abuse during Covid-19‘;
- In 2019 the Durham University carried out research with the Men’s Advice Line titled: “The voices of male victims: Understanding men’s experiences of the Men’s Advice Line”, Burrell, S.R. and Westmarland, N. (2019)
Public policy and media
- We advise the Government, Local Authorities, Commissioners and other organisations on issues affecting male victims.
- We do media and policy work to ensure male victims of domestic abuse remain high on the public agenda.
- In September 2020, our Head of Services spoke to the BBC about the reports of domestic abuse from male victims: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54237409
- On 4 September 2019, Our Head of Services gave evidence on the mental health of men and boys inquiry at the parliamentary Select Committee; and
- He contributed to the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee’s Domestic Abuse discussion on 30 October 2019, saying “We find unacceptable that in 2019, one of the greatest cities in the world lacks refuge service provision for male victims of domestic abuse. They have nowhere to go.” The full transcript of the discussion is here.
By giving to Respect, you’re supporting male victims of domestic abuse, because you make it possible for us to continue our work. Donations help us have a louder voice for male victims.
You can help support our work in a number of ways:
- One-off donation
- Regular giving
- Event fundraising
For more information on how to support our work, you can email us at: [email protected]