Men’s Domestic Abuse Service
***Guest Blog from Equation***
According to the ONS, an estimated 1.5 million men experienced domestic abuse in the last year in England and Wales. Yet the majority never report it or seek support.
The impact on mental health is significant. Men experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to develop depression, anxiety and PTSD, yet many never seek help for either. Men’s Health Week is a useful moment to widen that conversation beyond physical health, and to make sure men know support exists.
Confidential, Practical Support
Equation, a Nottinghamshire-based organisation, run a dedicated support service for men experiencing abuse. The service offers confidential, one-to-one support to men experiencing physical violence, coercive control, financial abuse or emotional manipulation from a partner, ex-partner or family member. The service’s Independent Domestic Violence Advocates work with people to address immediate safety, navigate court processes and secure safe housing – the practical things that matter most when someone is trying to get out or stay safe.
Many of the men who contact Equation say the same thing when they first get in touch: they didn’t realise what was happening to them was abuse. That’s not unusual. Coercive control in particular can be hard to name, and for men, there’s often added barriers such as the fear of not being believed, or of what speaking out might mean for their relationship with their children.
“It’s made a massive difference just because my support worker listened and I felt like someone actually cared rather than being dismissed about what keeps happening to me”
Gateway Programme
Equation also recognise that leaving or reaching safety is rarely the end of the road. Many survivors are left with lasting feelings of confusion, disempowerment and self-doubt, and that’s where their Gateway Programme comes in:
Gateway is a specialised eight-week peer support group for male and LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, led by experienced domestic abuse advocates. Separate groups run for men and LGBTQ+ participants to make sure everyone has a space that feels right for them.
The programme covers a lot of ground: helping people understand how and why abuse happens, recognising controlling behaviours, thinking through the impact on children, and planning next steps. As much as anything else, it gives people the chance to sit with others who have been through something similar, which for many is something they haven’t had before.
“I got into this work because I’d experienced domestic abuse as a young person by a family member. Working at Equation has opened my eyes to how many people experience abuse, and how little men feel able to speak out. To work directly with survivors, hear their stories and support them to move forward has been really rewarding. It’s been good to see more men reaching out, but it’s important we keep trying to reach those who still don’t feel able to.”
Contact Equation
Equation’s service is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Information about all of Equation’s services can be found on their website.
📞 0800 995 6999 | 🌐 equation.org.uk/help-for-men | 📧 helpline@equation.org.uk
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 999.
Equation DA Support Services provide specialist support to men ages 16+ in Nottingham City and 18+ in the County.
