Thank you for posting this information, Wendy, but please let's not fall into the trap of assuming that all victims of domestic abuse are female, and all perpetrators male. While the British Crime Survey statistics you quote do indeed assert that one in four women will be a victim at some point in her life, the same research also suggests that one in six men will be a victim. The real figure may be even higher: while it's never easy for a woman to admit that she is a victim, social pressures often make it much, much more difficult for a man to admit to the same. One only has to look at the way the tabloids handled the alleged assaults on EastEnders' on-screen "hard-men" a couple of years ago to see how men can be vilified for "allowing" themselves to be at the receiving end of such abuse.
I shan't quote a whole load of statistics here but for those interested, ManKind offers a really useful resource on this doubly hidden problem: their website can be found here and their page of statistics is here. As it says, there are fewer than 10 safe refuge places for men in the whole of the United Kingdom: in addition, men may feel unable to leave abusive relationships for financial reasons, because they fear they will not be permitted to maintain contact with their children, or because they fear for the safety of any children they leave behind.
It's a horrible, terrifyingly disempowering situation for anybody to find themselves in and I'm sure moneysavingexpert will welcome this opportunity to redress the balance by offering support and information to anyone in such a situation - regardless of their gender.

I'm in no way doubting that men are daily victims of domestic abuse but I'm concerned by the statistics and general information presented on Mankind's website. I don't think the figures it uses or the 1 in 6 figure is accurate and representative.

The site says "in the last year, nearly as many men as women were victims of severe force in a relationship." but doesn't make clear that overall half as many men as women are physically abused and doesn't mention that men are more likely to be abused for shorter periods of time and that the abuse is most likely to start when the relationship ended. It also quotes heavily from a studybased on the BCJS (so it's not using very different sources) Regarding the statistic given on Mankind's page on male murders, it doesn't state how many were the abusive spouse being murdered by their victim. It's got a real agenda.

The Home office state here:

The study that mankind quotes heavily throughout the website says clearly that women are more likely to suffer multiple victimisation and are more likely to be sexually assaulted and raped. It states Sixty-five per cent of male victims experienced only one type of intimate violence since the age of 16, with partner abuse (nonsexual)
only (27%) or stalking only (26%) being the most likely experience. Yet it doesn't present that information at all, it leads you to a different conclusion.

The statistics of 1 in 4 and 1 in 6 also state "in their lifetime" and doesn't specify how many have suffered it as a child growing up in an abusive household and how many have suffered it as an adult with an abusive partner. When you look into the specific breakdowns found here you see that men are equally or nearly equally as likely to suffer certain types of abuse from family as women are. However the figures for partner abuse show men are significantly less likely to suffer abuse at the hands of their partner. Remember this is all using the same sources that Mankind used, just presenting bits that Mankind haven't showed people. It also doesn't acknowledge that men are less likely to be caring for kids than women are which is a crucial point especially in relation to the advice Wendy has linked to.

It's crucial to remember that domestic abuse isn't just about violent partners it's about violent homes and families. Sadly parents abuse their children every day. It's very dangerous to play numbers games with male v female domestic abuse because as I've shown it's not just about how many people report being abused like this, there's far more issues going on than that. The issue as a whole is woefully underfunded (people may have read this article showing that the UK gives more to one donkey charity than it does to all the leading DA charities combined) and there need to be more provisions overall. There is an absolute need for more funding for male support services and housing as well as an understanding that abuse is abuse and it's wrong whether the victim is male or female. I don't object to that at all but I do object to the way that website has represented information.

So according to mankind's own sources men are abused LESS and for SHORTER PERIODS OF TIME and are LESS likely to be the victim of sexual violence, seriously injured, abused by a partner and LESS likely to suffer multiple victimisation. But the site doesn't give you all this information at all, it's biased and slants it.

Wow, I hope this helps a lot of people. I've been in this position twice before, Never again, I hope.

Thankyou Dom Koas and Ianna for your comments - they're important, but I think they are diverging from the issues that this free guide is trying to address, ie: how to manage/be able to afford to leave a controlled relationship from the financial point of view. It is scary enough for many people just to think about splitting up, especially when children are involved.
Most of us are prepared to work hard as necessary, and compromise when necessary, in order to make a relationship work and give ourselves some stability and to realize our dreams of good home life. However in some relationships, an imbalance starts to build up into a cycle of one partner manipulating the other into compromizing more & more. The 'noose', the 'control' builds up and tightens over a period of time. This is the psychological side of the abusive relationship. It is important because it eats away at the self esteem of the victims, and often results in isolating them friends, family and work colleagues, ie: wipes away all outside support. The victim may feel shame, embarrassed, etc, and almost definately has finances being manipulated to perpetuate the cycle. Victims of emotional and violent abuse, (men & women), need support financially, as a step if nothing else to help them make that break.

Yes absolutely. Thanks for highlighting the psychological aspect of domestic abuse as well, people often dismiss it. It is like a noose.

I've just had a look at this guide. I suggest a useful way to create an 'escape fund' is to open a savings account with your local credt union. If you find you need to move before you saved enough to do so, they will be able to help you with a loan. The interests rates for saving and borrowing are fair, and you will have a very sympathetic ear if you need help from them. When you join, ask how you would apply for a loan if you needed it. They may require a letter from an organisation like Citizen's Advice or Refuge, in which case, you might want to have one prepared in advance, and a case worker who you can phone up if need be.
You can find your local credit union here:
http://www.abcul.org/page/index.cfm

Join your local freecycle group. This is a brilliant way to furnish your new home without the worry of huge expense. It involves a bit of luck and patience, but you may find anything from a bed or washing machine to toys, saucepans, curtain, bedding, etc.

as someone who escaped a abusive violent and degrading relationship just over 4 years ago now, I hope and pray that this guide helps anyone who is caught up ina similar situation, whether they are male or female, young or old, rich or poor. No one deserves to live their lives in fear

I hope so.

Just with regards to the statistics on whether males are involved in just as much domestic violence than women. There will never be an accurate figure on these, yes it happens for both parties but what needs to be understood is that so many men and women do not report it. I have a daily experiences with people, mainly women regarding domestic violence but it happens with men too and a lot is gone un noticed because they either feel ashamed to disclose it or its not taken seriously enough. I.e Some may think how could a 6ft male be in a domestic violent relationship and is in fear of their partner, male or female of 5ft 4 with a small frame. Believe me it happens and not to forget that this is mental abuse not just physical but also financial abuse. I doubt we will ever get a true figure of domestic violence unfortunately, we can only help those that we see changes or patterns or those who come forward.
A useful link and I will be forwarding to my work colleague so that when they go to similar domestic incidents they too will be able to offer that little bit more, so thank you.

I work in this field and was about to post a simalar reply however you have worded the points about the gender issue with domestic abuse perfectly.
As an aside this guide would be useful for both men and women in that situation.

I too work in this field for Women's Aid and they also offer free advice including money management in their Survivor's Handbook. It is available in different languages and also audio. http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-survivors-handbook.asp?section=0001000100080001&itemTitle=Th e+Survivor%27s+Handbook

The website also provides a link for children and young people who live with domestic abuse offering online support - http://www.thehideout.org.uk/default.aspa

Domestic abuse is unacceptable under any circumstances regardless of the gender of the target or the gender of the perpetrator. Unfortunately it has been made more difficult for genuine male targets of domestic violence and abuse (gay or straight) to access appropriate support because some groups who claim to offer support and advice specifically for men have links with known perpetrators of domestic abuse.

If you are a male target of domestic abuse you can access gender specific support from the following website which has no hidden agenda, has the support of the Home Office and is managed by Respect http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

Excellent, I like the fact that the site tells you how to cover your tracks on-line. I hope that helps to give assurance to people looking for advice, but afraid of being caught doing so.

I know bumping is not generally the correct thing to do in these forums, but I hope you'll agree this subject should be an exception to the rule.
I frequently re-live my past, and am sure many of you do. If the excellent advice and links on the thread can help just one person, it has got to be worth it.
Looking at the number of views this has had so far, I'm hopeful that this is helping a whole load of people.
Thanks Wendy for starting the thread.

Women can access free confidential legal advice from women lawyers from the organisation Rights of Women on: 020 7251 6577 (telephone) or 020 7490 2562 (textphone) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2-4pm and 7-9pm and Fridays, 12noon-2pm.

Details on www.row.org.uk

Hi, just found this thread and I have to say as someone who has a lot of experience personally and professionally as well as through study and qualifications, I personally find the mankind website disturbing.

I have spoken with many professionals who work with victims of domestic violence and none that I know recommend this organisation, including people who work for male domestic violence organisations. Their statistics are blantantly edited and provide an unrealistic view of what is going on.

I came across their leaflets 18 mths ago and it was using statistics that made it look as though more children were subject to a child protection plan (on the 'at risk' register) because they lived with their mothers - the fact is I work with child protection and of those that are domestic violence cases( which is a very high percentage of cases) I would say over 99% are male onto female violence and abuse.

Mothers who experience abuse often find it difficult to function properly because of the trauma they are made to experience daily - they often feel powerless and scared of losing their children. These children are then subject to plans because of the actions of the other parent and it is the mother who is made to do all the work to protect and repair the children. This organisation did not include that in their propergander.

Women's Aid and Refuge affiliated organisations never ignore that it happens to men, they merely state that it is gender biased towards female victims. Domestic violence is about power and control so comes in many forms and has many consequences.

It just shows really that you have to be careful with some of the recommendations made. The general concensus is to recommend Mens Advice Line who are thought to be a respected organisation.

I have ranted but felt strongly about this. Can I ask - the person who recommended Mankind - do you work for them?

Yes, there are irresponsible organisations out there who claim to support male victims of DVA yet are known to have strong links with male perpetrators of DVA.

The agency Women's Aid signpost people to is Mens Advice Line.

The link is in my previous post on this thread.

I just would like to say that its great to see Domestic Violence awareness.

I escaped DV 6 years ago with my then 3 year old daughter. We left out home with a bag of clothes and went into a refuge runned by Womens Aid. Although it was very difficult to adapt it was the best thing that could have happen to us. We were re housed about 15 months later and had to start from scratch but we did it. I got furniture from a local charity, looked for free to colector stuff from the local newspaper and slowly built up a home.

If you have an escape fund all the better but sometimes the situation you are in is so bad you just need to escape.

I just hope that people out there male or female that are caught in a Domestic Violence situation dont give up on escaping due to financial issues. At the end of the day your life and well being its priceless, everything else can be replaced.

Im happy that women can rely their problem regarding domestic violence.sometimes poverty is the no. 1 factor why couples encounter this problem, sometimes personal matter.