Supporting the Call for a Dedicated Strategy for Male Victims of Abuse
From The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust (Registered Charity No. 1199913)
The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust welcomes and supports the introduction of the Ten Minute Rule Bill by Ben Obese-Jecty MP, which calls for the development of a dedicated Government strategy to address interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys.
Let us be absolutely clear from the outset: this initiative in no way detracts from the ongoing and essential work to tackle violence against women and girls, who continue to make up the majority of domestic abuse victims. We fully support the Government’s pledge to halve instances of violence against women and girls, and we remain committed to doing all we can to help that become a reality. This new bill is not a shift in focus—it’s an expansion of compassion, justice, and support for all victims.
Male victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, honour-based violence, forced marriage, and image-based abuse remain poorly served, and are often invisible in policy and practice. The absence of a tailored national strategy leaves many men isolated, unsupported, and unable to access services that meet their needs.
This is not a new issue to us. At The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, we have long worked to shine a light on male victimhood—particularly through our partnership with the ManKind Initiative, a leading organisation offering confidential support to male victims of domestic abuse and violence across the UK. They provide vital services not only to men, but also to those around them—family, friends, colleagues, and employers—offering a lifeline where there may be none.
The ManKind Initiative also developed The Oak Book, a national directory of support services for male victims—an invaluable resource in a landscape where specialised support for men is still far too limited.
The statistics speak for themselves:
- 3% of men aged 16+ were victims of domestic abuse between September 2023 and September 2024, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales.
- Only 1,830 men accessed refuge or safe accommodation support, out of nearly 64,000 victims.
- One in four sexual assault victims in the UK is male.
- Over 70% of gay, bisexual, and trans male victims have never accessed statutory support.
These figures aren’t just numbers—they are real men living with real trauma, often alone. Many feel unable to report abuse due to shame, fear, stigma, or the sense that their experiences won’t be taken seriously. Others don’t even recognise what they’ve been through as abuse because of widespread misconceptions around gender and strength.
The bill introduced by Ben Obese-Jecty rightly highlights that the current Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy includes male victims under a label that many do not identify with—one that can increase feelings of isolation and distress. It is time to build a complementary, dedicated strategy for men and boys—not in place of VAWG, but alongside it, tailored to the distinct needs and experiences of male survivors.
We echo the words of the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Helen Newlove, who stated that it is “beyond time for a dedicated men and boys’ strategy, with specific policies, strategic milestones, and accompanying funding.” We believe this parallel approach is critical to ensuring that all victims of interpersonal violence—regardless of gender—are recognised and supported.
At The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, our work has always focused on inclusion, safety, and justice for everyone affected by abuse. We strongly support this bill and urge the Government to take this opportunity to create a robust, cross-governmental response that addresses the unmet needs of male survivors.
Abuse affects people of all genders. Our strategies must reflect that.
If you or someone you know is a man experiencing abuse, support is available. Contact the ManKind Initiative confidential helpline on 01823 334244 or visit www.mankind.org.uk.
The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust
Registered Charity No. 1199913
