Breaking the Silence: Addressing Abuse Against Men and Boys

Abuse against men and boys remains a critically underreported and stigmatized issue globally. Societal norms often dismiss male victimization, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that men are “too strong” to be abused or “weak” if they seek help. This silence exacerbates trauma, isolates survivors, and allows cycles of violence to persist. At BMAN, we believe everyone deserves safety and dignity. This post sheds light on the realities of abuse against males, supported by global data, and outlines actionable solutions.

Understanding Abuse Against Men and Boys 

Abuse manifests in multiple forms:

1. Physical Abuse: Assault, domestic violence, or corporal punishment.
2. Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Gaslighting, humiliation, or coercive control.
3. Sexual Abuse: Assault, exploitation, or trafficking.
4. Societal Abuse: Bullying, stigma, or legal/systemic neglect.

Global Report and Evidence

Key Statistics:

– Domestic Violence: A 2021 *UK Office for National Statistics* report found 1 in 3 domestic abuse victims are male, yet only 4% seek help.

– Sexual Violence: The CDC’s 2023 *National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey* reveals 1 in 6 U.S. men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetime.

– Conflict Zones: A 2020 *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health* study documented widespread sexual violence against men in Syria, Uganda, and Myanmar.

Regional Snapshots

– Africa: In South Africa, 8% of men report sexual violence (WHO, 2021), but cultural taboos suppress reporting.

– Asia: India’s 2019 *National Family Health Survey* found 10% of men experience spousal violence, yet no legal protections exist for male victims.

– Europe: A 2022 EU survey showed 20% of men in Germany faced childhood sexual abuse, but <5% accessed support.

– Americas: Brazil’s 2023 national hotline recorded a 50% spike in male abuse reports post-pandemic.

Barriers to Addressing the Issue

1. Stigma: Fear of ridicule or being labeled “unmanly.”
2. Legal Gaps: Many countries lack laws recognizing male victims of domestic or sexual violence.
3. Resource Shortages: Few shelters, hotlines, or therapists trained to support men.
4. Cultural Myths: Assumptions that men cannot be victims or are always perpetrators.

Actionable Steps for Prevention

1. Education & Awareness

– Launch campaigns to challenge stereotypes.

– Integrate male victimization into school curricula and workplace training.

2. Legal Reforms

– Advocate for gender-neutral laws on domestic violence and rape.

– Train law enforcement to respond sensitively to male survivors.

3. Support Services

– Fund male-friendly helplines (e.g., U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline now includes male-specific resources).

– Create safe spaces for men in shelters and therapy groups.

4. Engage Men in Advocacy

– Promote male allies and survivor storytelling to reduce shame.

– Partner with influencers and athletes to amplify messages.

5. Research & Funding

– Governments and NGOs must prioritize data collection on male abuse.

– Invest in trauma-informed care tailored to men’s needs.

Additional Resources

– Hotlines:

– U.S.: 1-800-799-SAFE (now supports male callers).

–  U.S (1-301-801-0608) DAVIA: Domestic Abuse and Violence International Alliance

– UK: Men’s Advice Line (+44 808 801 0327).

– Reading: “Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence” by Philip W. Cook.

– BMAN’s Role: We provide mentorship, legal aid referrals, and community workshops.

A Call to Action 

Abuse against men and boys is not a niche issue—it’s a global human rights crisis. Dismantling stigma requires collective action: policymakers must reform laws, media must humanize survivors, and communities must foster empathy. At BMAN, we stand with all survivors. Join us in breaking the silence.

Speak up. Support. Heal

References

1. UK Office for National Statistics (2021). *Domestic Abuse in England and Wales*.
2. CDC (2023). *National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey*.
3. WHO (2021). *Violence Against Men in Sub-Saharan Africa*.
4. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020). *Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Men*.
5. EU Fundamental Rights Agency (2022). *Childhood Abuse in Europe*.

For more information, follow us on social media @bmanadvocacy

© 2025 Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network. All rights reserved.