A freedom of Information (FOI) request to Dyfed-Powys Police by a domestic abuse survivor reveals that in 2021, 2,233 (30% of all victims) men across Dyfed-Powys reported they had been victims of domestic abuse.

This represents a 58% increase on 2020 when 1,412 men reported to the Police and a 220% increase since 2014 when 697 men reported to the Police.

Ian McNicholl requested information from the Police to encourage more males across Dyfed-Powys to come forward in order that males will recognise that they are not the only male suffering behind their front door in this way – a common reason why men do not come forward.

Figures over a three-year period show that between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 inclusive, the figures were 2,233 (2021) 1,412 (2020) and 1,392 (2019) respectively.

The impact of COVID-19 has seen many men remaining in their homes with their abuser as there are just 58 safe spaces for men (and their children) to escape to whilst many parts of the UK have no places at all.

The Home Office reports that male victims (49%) are almost three times as likely as women (19%) to not tell anyone about partner abuse. Only 26.1% of male victims will tell the police as a comparison to 33.4% of women.

The Office of National Statistics reports that male victims (59%) of partner abuse are far more likely (female victims 40%) to perceive that what happened to them was not domestic abuse.

Ian also wishes to highlight to domestic abuse professionals across Dyfed-Powys who are working for councils, the police and the health service just how many males are suffering in a very similar way to females in order to ensure professionals address the needs of male victims and that their services are male victim friendly and gender inclusive.

These figures will also encourage friends, family and work colleagues to recognise males are victims of domestic abuse too and consequently aid them look out for male victims and offer the same helping hand as they would hold out to a female victim.

The figures for female victims during the same period were 5,142 (2021) 3,632 (2020) and 3,759 (2019) respectively.

Ian McNicholl, domestic abuse survivor, said;

“These figures show that Domestic Abuse has no prejudice as there are males right across Dyfed-Powys who have come forward and told the police.

“If you are experiencing domestic abuse or suffering from the symptoms of domestic abuse, please call the Police or speak with friends and/or family and get the help you need. I can assure you that the action you take today will be life changing, if could even be lifesaving.

“The number of men coming forward to the police sends a clear message that domestic abuse is a crime that affects both men and women

“I would ask all professionals to undertake an urgent review of their internal policies and procedures to ensure that they are male victim friendly whilst it is also important to deliver more awareness campaigns to encourage men to come forward and to change society’s view that men cannot be victims of domestic abuse.

“It is vital that councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner and partners in health and housing fund local services to support them as they rightly do female victims.”