Key message
Abuse is not limited to one gender.
- It can happen to women
- It can happen to men
- It can happen to non-binary and LGBTQ+ people
- It can happen in any relationship
Understanding the Reality
1. Women are disproportionately affected
- Statistically, women are more likely to experience severe and repeated domestic abuse
- This is recognised in many safeguarding frameworks and laws
👉 So yes, the statement that abuse often involves men harming women is supported by data
2. But abuse is not one-directional
Abuse can also occur:
- From women toward men
- In same-sex relationships
- In family or care relationships
Men and other groups may:
- Experience emotional, physical, or financial abuse
- Be less likely to report it
- Feel stigma or shame about seeking help
3. Why this misunderstanding matters
If we only think:
“Abuse = male to female”
We risk:
- Missing male victims
- Ignoring abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships
- Creating barriers to reporting
- Reinforcing stigma
Barriers Different Groups May Face
Men
- Fear of not being believed
- Social stigma (“men can’t be victims”)
- Lack of targeted services
Women
- Higher risk of serious harm or coercive control
- Fear of retaliation
- Financial or childcare dependence
LGBTQ+ individuals
- Fear of discrimination
- Lack of inclusive services
- Threats of “outing” by the abuser
Safeguarding Approach (Inclusive Practice)
Professionals and supporters should:
- Treat all disclosures seriously, regardless of gender
- Avoid assumptions about who is the victim or perpetrator
- Use gender-inclusive language where appropriate
- Recognise patterns of power and control in all relationships
Important Clarification
- Abuse is about power and control, not gender alone
- Gender can influence how abuse is experienced and reported
- Support should be available to everyone
Key Training Message
- Abuse most commonly affects women
- But anyone can be a victim
- Anyone can also be a perpetrator
- Safeguarding must remain inclusive, balanced, and evidence-based
Easy Read Summary
- Abuse can happen to anyone
- Men and women can both be victims
- Abuse is not just one way
- Everyone deserves help and support
- Always take abuse seriously
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