Supporting men to recover from domestic abuse

Too often, we don’t associate domestic abuse with male homelessness.

But as our teams know all to well, domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background.

According to SafeLives data, only 4.8% of victims supported by local domestic abuse services are men. Considering that men make up 25% of domestic abuse reports recorded by police, this shows a large proportion of male victims are being failed by domestic abuse services.

Male victims-survivors of domestic abuse face unique challenges such as societal stigma, a lack of support services, and a heightened sense of shame and isolation.

"When anyone is in these situations there is a fear about 'Will I be believed by services,' or 'will anyone understand what I have gone through'. With male survivors on top of that there is the idea that other people might think that they can handle themselves, which might stop them from looking for help." Ruth Sweeney, Regional Manager.

Due to the lack of victim support, and the stigma surrounding male victims of domestic abuse, it is sadly unsurprising that so many men feel their only option is to suffer in silence.

We are determined to provide the support that victims need to recover, regain their independence and build a new life for themselves, no matter their gender.

In 2024, Julian House was commissioned by Wiltshire Council to open our second refuge for adult male victims of domestic abuse, with specialist support to help victims regain control, rebuild confidence, and begin to create the future they choose; for themselves and their families.

This service is made possible by Wiltshire Council’s Public Health Team who allocated a portion of the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant to Julian House.

When men move into the refuges, our teams are on hand to support the move into their new home, help people apply for grants and be on hand to ensure that everything is in place and that they are safe.​

Once we have helped them to find appropriate accommodation a support worker will visit them on a weekly basis to check in with them and make sure that everything is ok.​

With the right care, victims become survivors, equipped to move forward with strength and hope. 

Our services and refuges

Everybody has a right to a safe home.

The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327