5,817 domestic abuse crimes recorded against men in Northern Ireland

Almost one in three victims of domestic abuse crimes recorded in Northern Ireland last year were male, according to figures released as part of a new campaign challenging the stigma that can prevent men from seeking help.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland recorded 5,817 domestic abuse crimes against male victims between April 2025 and March 2026. Men represented 32% of all victims recorded during the 12-month period, while the crimes involving male victims had a sanction outcome rate of approximately 19%.

The PSNI has now joined with the Men’s Advisory Project to launch “Every Victim Matters”, a campaign highlighting that domestic abuse can affect anyone and encouraging men experiencing it to speak out.

“Abuse is abuse”

The campaign focuses not only on physical violence but also coercive control, emotional abuse and controlling behaviour—forms of abuse that may be less visible but can leave victims living in fear and isolation.

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan said officers had encountered men who had been made to feel that they did not deserve to be heard.

“Officers have stood in living rooms where the silence says more than any statement ever could. Men sitting there, shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on the floor—not because they’ve done something wrong, but because they’ve been made to feel they don’t deserve to be heard. Domestic abuse doesn’t wear one face, and it certainly doesn’t check your gender before it destroys your confidence, your safety, and your sense of self.

“As officers, our job is to protect without prejudice. Abuse is abuse. It’s not a lesser crime because the victim is male, and it’s not something to be minimised or joked about. Every victim deserves dignity, support, and to know that the law stands firmly on their side. When we fail to recognise that, we don’t just fail individuals—we reinforce the very stigma that keeps people trapped.

“So I say this clearly: if you are a man experiencing domestic abuse, you are not weak, and you are not alone. Speaking up is not a failure of strength—it’s the first act of reclaiming it. Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s. We will listen, and we will act.”

More than 1,000 men and boys supported each year

The Men’s Advisory Project supports more than 1,000 men and boys affected by domestic abuse across Northern Ireland each year.

Its chief executive, Rhonda Lusty, said many victims endure abuse, fear and isolation for a considerable time before telling anyone what is happening.

“We very much welcome this campaign from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and its clear message that male domestic abuse is real, it is serious, and men who come forward will be listened to.

“We know how difficult that first disclosure can be. Many of the men who come through our doors have lived with abuse, coercive control, fear and isolation for a very long time before they tell anyone what is happening to them.

“Domestic abuse can happen to any man, at any age and from any background. It can happen within an intimate relationship or within a family. It is not always physical and it is not somehow less serious because the person experiencing it is male. The consequences can be life-changing and, tragically, they can be life-ending.

“Our message to any man experiencing abuse is very simple: what is happening to you matters. You can speak to the police and you can speak to us. The Men’s Advisory Project are specialists, and we are here for you and your needs.”

Campaign aims to overcome shame and stigma

Justice Minister Naomi Long funded the campaign and said its message was important because anyone could become a victim of domestic abuse.

“The reality is that anyone can become a victim of domestic abuse and that’s why this campaign is so important.

“I am delighted to be able to support this campaign which will help to increase awareness that men are affected by intimate partner abuse, and that they should never feel ashamed or unable to seek help.

“Support is available; speaking up is the first step in the road to recovery.”

The public is also being encouraged to recognise signs that a relative, friend or colleague may be experiencing abuse and to reach out rather than dismissing or minimising what is happening.

The campaign’s central message is that domestic abuse against men is real, can occur in intimate or family relationships and does not have to involve physical violence. Men experiencing abuse are being urged to recognise that they are not alone and that seeking support is an important first step towards safety and recovery.

More information about the campaign and available support can be found here.