Domestic violence *is* largely something men do to women. It's part of how the patriarchy sustains itself.

**TL;DR Whilst statistics show domestic violence affects women more than it does so men, failing to acknowledge that males can too suffer from domestic silences their struggle.** - For context here are some statistics on male domestic violence from Mankind. Statistics are true as of April 2021. The Office for National Statistics figures show every year that one in the three victims of domestic abuse are male equating to 757,000 men. Of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police, 26% were committed against men. This equates to c155,000 offences per year. Half of male victims (49%) fail to tell anyone they are a victim of domestic abuse and are two and a half times less likely to tell anyone than female victims (19%). - I think it is important to not treat domestic violence as solely something that affects women. Whilst remaining cautious of the ‘it happens to men too’ narrative. We don’t want to discredit female victims of domestic violence and we don’t want to silence male victims. Although instances of this occurring are rarer, it happens and it is important to create a safe space for all regardless of gender. - Also, we have to consider the extent to which we see fewer cases of domestic abuse against males because they are reported less. https://www.mankind.org.uk/statistics/statistics-on-male-victims-of-domestic-abuse/

**Domestic violence is not a male nor a female crime.** • Women _can be_ abused, women _can be_ the abuser, men _can be_ abused, and men _can be_ the abuser. Treating domestic violence as a gendered crime, ultimately devalues the experiences of some over others - I am not denying this. But it also cannot be ignored that women statistically suffer domestic abuse at an increased rate over men. • For example, [in England and Wales for the year ending March 2020, it was estimated that 1.6million women and 757,000 men aged 16-74, experienced domestic abuse in the last year]( https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabusevictimcharacteristicsenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020#sex). Described as [“significantly more likely”](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabusevictimcharacteristicsenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020#sex) to be victims of all kinds of domestic abuse, women are disproportionately affected by this type of violence. We shouldn’t overlook this. • This does _not_ mean however, that we should in any way ignore the fact that domestic abuse happens to men as well. This is particularly important, since it can be [harder to identify with men](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/domestic-violence-against-men/art-20045149), even though the threat can still be extremely serious. Domestic violence is characterised by an imbalance of power, which although demonstrated more by men over women, can also happen vice-versa. • More of an effort should be made to understand the complexities of domestic violence against men to challenge the assumption that it doesn’t exist. But I disagree with the idea that this actively disservices male victims or promotes prejudice, because I don’t think it helps move the conversation forward.