Specialist Service for Male Victims of Abuse

We recognise that men can often be the forgotten victims of domestic abuse. In response to this we provide specialist support services to meet the specific needs of male victims of domestic abuse.

The project was established in August 2009 with the aim of supporting high risk male victims within the Berkshire East & South Bucks area. To date this innovative project has supported 72 high risk male victims that had suffered at the hands of their partner.

Male Independent Domestic Violence Advocay Service:

The Male advocate’s primary role is to support high risk victims of domestic abuse. The victims can be referred from partner agencies such as police, social services, probation, education and health and additionally self referrals are accepted. The Male IDVA then conducts a risk assessment to highlight all the risks that the client is facing. A tailor made safety plan is then discussed between the male IDVA and the victim to ensure that the victim and any children that he may have, can stay safe. 

Additionally, high risks client can also be referred onto the local MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference) where all relevant agencies will discuss the case in confidence and produce a further plan to ensure the safety of the victim.

Research into male domestic abuse

 In addition to supporting high risk victims Berkshire East & South Bucks Women’s Aid has been awarded funding to conduct pioneering research into the issue of male domestic abuse.  The aim of the work is fourfold:

1. To gain a clear understanding of the needs of male victims of domestic abuse
2. To analyse trends in those perpetrating the violence as well as those who are victims. 
3. To understand public attitudes towards male domestic abuse, in particular those of front-line workers who may have direct contact with victims.
4. To map the provision of services for male victims across the UK, including safe refuge and specialist services.

The findings from the research will be reported back to the Home Office, Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse and other organisations associated with domestic abuse with the hope of illustrating the pressing need for support for this specific group.

In order for the research to gain a realistic sample of all services available throughout the UK, we ask that any front-line services supporting male victims of domestic abuse please contact Dan (Male Research IDVA) to discuss the services available within your area. We appreciate all your help and support. Contact details below.

E-mail: daniel@ebwomensaid.org.uk  Office Number: 01753 549865

Male Outreach

The main aim of the Male Outreach worker is to offer longer term and on-going support to male victims of domestic abuse who maybe at a lower risk. The Outreach worker will work with the victims and discuss options such as going back to work/education, volunteering and other such options.

Further to this the male outreach worker also works alongside young people that have witnessed/experienced domestic abuse. The aim of this is to break down the cycle of abuse that many young people have seen within the home. The outreach worker will uncover and discuss all behaviours associated with domestic abuse in the hope that the young people will acknowledge abusive behaviours and therefore will not imitate what they have already witnesses. This support can take place within the local refuges and also within the community and will accept referrals from schools, local Youth Offending team and any other agencies that believe that this type of support would be beneficial to the young person.