Last week, the FPH blog centred on the latest ONS figures showing the changes in domestic abuse against males in recent years.
While the numbers were quite stark, the change in ONS methodology meant that while a lot can be gleaned from them, it would be irresponsible to draw direct conclusions from the figures, rather than having them inform your view.
The same caution does not need to be applied to new figures released in Luton this week.
Recent figures from Luton Borough Council revealed that around 14,000 people in the town experienced domestic abuse in just one year. Even more striking, the council estimates that nearly one in four residents — around 47,000 people — have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. These are not abstract statistics, but shocking examples of what everyday people go through.
Crucially, the council’s data shows that more than 6,000 of those victims over the past 12 months were men.
For the sake of clarity, this means that over 42% of the victims of domestic abuse in Luton last year were men. Even as someone well-versed in this issue, the figures continue to surprise me when I read them.
But in reality, they shouldn't — because male victims of domestic abuse are still routinely overlooked, misunderstood, or simply not believed.
As one councillor involved in Luton’s strategy noted, domestic abuse often affects “people you least expect,” and some victims are “not even sure they are in that situation.” This is particularly true for men, who may be less likely to label controlling or degrading behaviour as abuse — especially when cultural expectations tell them they should be able to cope.
The consequences are serious. The council’s figures show that one in eight homelessness applications and one in five child safeguarding referrals in Luton are linked to domestic abuse. Nationally, men fleeing abuse face a higher risk of homelessness due to a severe shortage of male-inclusive refuge spaces and safe accommodation. Many are forced to choose between staying with an abuser or sleeping rough.
Encouragingly, Luton’s new domestic abuse strategy focuses on early intervention, housing and preventing re-offending, and includes direct feedback from people with lived-experience.
Nationally, this picture is slowly starting to change. The Crown Prosecution Service recently published a dedicated statement on male victims, acknowledging the unique barriers men face when reporting domestic abuse and seeking justice. Clare’s Law disclosures — which allow people to check whether a partner has a history of abuse — are also rising, showing that more people are seeking information and protection earlier. A positive step no doubt.
Men experiencing domestic abuse need properly funded support services — and reassurance that reaching out will be met with understanding, not judgement. They need professionals trained to recognise male victimhood, and policies that reflect reality, not stereotypes.