Help for men experiencing domestic violence.
“Approximately one in thirteen Australian men (7.8% or 703,700) experiences violence by an intimate partner, and one in four Australian women (23% or 2.2 million).”
Data indicates that women experience the bulk of domestic or family violence, but men are also at risk. In fact, according to the most recent report[i] from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in thirteen men have been abused by an intimate partner. Sadly, men often don't report abuse because they feel embarrassed or think they won't be believed.
No matter what your gender, no one deserves to be treated this way. If you are a man experiencing domestic violence, or you know a man experiencing domestic violence, there are steps you can take to get assistance.
Support services for men experiencing domestic or family violence.
Sometimes talking to someone really can help. If you’re hesitant about talking to someone you know, there are 24/7 support services that offer confidential, non-judgmental assistance from trained counsellors. Some of these include:
· Dads in Distress - support for separated dads and their families: 1300 853 437
· MensLine Australia - telephone and online support for men: 1300 78 99 78
· Men's Referral Service - telephone counselling service for men: 1300 766 491
· QLife – support for same-sex couples: 1800 184 527
· 1800RESPECT - national domestic and family violence counselling service: 1800 737 732
What to do when you’re ready to act.
· If it’s an emergency, contact 000.
· If you’re not in immediate danger, report the abuse to the police on 131 444. They can inform you of your rights and offer advice.
More helpful resources and articles for men experiencing domestic violence.
· Health direct: Domestic violence against men
· Help for men who are being abused
· Mayo Clinic: Domestic violence against men: Know the signs
· MensLine Australia: Experience a violent or abusive relationship?
· The Conversation (UK): Domestic Violence Doesn’t Just Happen to Women
[i] Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey 2016. This survey is conducted every four years.