International Men’s Day – PSNI urges male victims of domestic abuse to seek help
On International Men’s Day, the Police Service of Northern Ireland wants to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on men and boys, urging anyone experiencing harm to come forward and seek support.
In 2024/25, police recorded 5,747 domestic abuse crimes with a male victim, representing one third of all domestic abuse victims in Northern Ireland. Despite this, only around a fifth of these incidents resulted in a sanction outcome¹ — a reminder that many men still feel unable or unwilling to report what is happening to them or continue a journey through the criminal justice system.
Domestic abuse also has substantial consequences for children. Schools in Northern Ireland receive around 18,000 Operation Encompass notifications each year, demonstrating how frequently children are directly affected when domestic incidents occur. This reinforces the importance of ensuring that fathers, stepfathers, sons and male carers can access safe, stigma-free routes to support at the earliest possible stage.
Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan, the PSNI’s operational lead for Domestic Abuse said:
“Domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate. Men and boys can be victims too and deserve to be heard and helped. If you’re experiencing abuse—or worried about your behaviour—please reach out. Support is confidential and judgment-free.”
D/Supt Brennan continued:
“Domestic abuse takes many forms — physical, emotional, financial and coercive. We know that men often face additional barriers to seeking help, including fear of stigma, shame or disbelief. Our message today is clear: you will be taken seriously. You will be listened to. And you will be supported.”
How domestic abuse affects men
Men can experience domestic abuse in ways that harm their wellbeing, confidence and safety. This can include:
- Isolation from friends, family or colleagues
- Control over finances, access to work or personal independence
- Verbal abuse, humiliation or threats
- Physical violence, including pushing, striking or damaging property
- Coercive or controlling behaviour, where someone dictates where they go, who they speak to, or how they live
- Emotional harm, including constant criticism, intimidation or manipulation
- Sexual coercion or pressure
Men may also feel they will not be believed, fear being blamed, or worry that speaking out will impact their role as a partner, father or carer. These barriers often delay reporting until incidents escalate.
Warning signs that abuse may be happening
Anyone — including friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members — can look out for indicators that a man might be experiencing domestic abuse:
- Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
- Noticeable anxiety, withdrawal or changes in behaviour
- A partner who constantly checks up on him or speaks for him
- Sudden loss of contact with social networks
- Limited access to money, transport or communication devices
- Visible distress when receiving messages or calls
- Concerns expressed by children observing conflict or tension at home
- Frequently cancelling plans or appearing fearful of “causing trouble”
Recognising these signs early can help men access support before harm escalates and can protect children who may be affected.
The PSNI continues to work closely with partners across the voluntary and statutory sectors to ensure victims have access to timely and confidential help. Officers are trained to respond sensitively, and specialist support services are available for men and boys.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. Non-emergency concerns can be reported via 101 or online.
Support for male victims is also available through:
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¹ Sanction outcomes include: charge or summons, adult and juvenile cautions, community resolutions, penalty notices for disorder, and offences taken into consideration