For nine painful years, I have been living a nightmare. As a victim of abuse, not by the image society traditionally paints, but by a woman—a mental health nurse in the NHS for 25 years. My story, tragically, is not unique. Across the UK, many men find themselves trapped in a cycle of domestic violence, coercive control,manipulation and even sexual assault, at the hands of female partners. I'm having to do a victim right to review because durham police dont think there's enough evidence, even though they have not even contacted my witnesses and I had to endure a video recorded interview. 

I am a disabled man who suffers from cerebral palsy and anxiety and depression 

Despite this harsh reality, there remains a critical gap in how these cases are addressed. The prevailing stereotype that men cannot be victims stands strong, leaving many without the necessary protection and support. The police, crucial in providing justice and safety, often fail to recognise the spectrum of abuse men endure. According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2024, an estimated 757,000 men in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse; however, systemic biases leave these figures underreported and untreated.

Coercive control, which refers to an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation, and intimidation, is devastating lives—and yet it often goes unnoticed when the perpetrator is a woman. Sexual assault plays another horrifying role in the arsenal of abuse. Though the law recognises these acts, enforcement remains inconsistent due to outdated perceptions of abuse dynamics.

This petition calls upon the UK police forces to undergo comprehensive training and policy revisions. Police officers should be trained to recognise and react to domestic abuse perpetrated by women against men with the same diligence and seriousness afforded to any other victim. Moreover, it is crucial to redefine public perceptions through awareness campaigns. Law enforcement must be equipped with the tools to support all victims, regardless of gender.

The goal of this petition is to see true equality in the treatment of all victims of domestic abuse and to remove gender bias from the justice system. It is imperative to recognise that abuse knows no gender bounds, and we must demand change to ensure safety and justice for everyone.

Please Sign this petition to urge the police and judicial system to acknowledge and address the plight of men facing domestic abuse from women. Your signature can be the catalyst for change, support justice, and save lives. Let's work together to break the silence and stigma surrounding male victims of domestic abuse.

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