Shropshire Council supports Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day 2026
Today (Wednesday 4 November 2026) is Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day and Shropshire Council is supporting the ManKind Initiative campaign by raising awareness of male victims and encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to recognise the signs and reach out for support.
Domestic abuse is not always obvious. For many men, it can develop gradually, with controlling or harmful behaviours slowly affecting their confidence, independence and wellbeing.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported in their relationships. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, and no one should feel they have to face it alone.
For some men, it might include:
- being criticised, belittled or put down
- walking on eggshells to avoid conflict
- having your phone or social media monitored
- being isolated from friends or family
- having your money controlled
- having contact with your children used against you
- being pressured or forced into sexual activity
- being threatened, intimidated or physically harmed.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone you know, you do not have to deal with it alone. Local and specialist support is available for male victims:
Contact Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS): 0300 303 1191
Local specialist domestic abuse support for all genders, including advice, outreach and safe accommodation support is available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Call West Mercia Women’s Aid Male Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 014 9082
Specialist advice and support for men who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse can be found on the council’s domestic abuse webpages here where there is further information, advice and details of local support services.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to use the Silent Solution service.
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day is also an opportunity for all of us to look out for the people in our lives. A friend, relative, neighbour or colleague could be experiencing abuse without us knowing.
If someone opens up to you about domestic abuse, listen without judgement, take what they tell you seriously and support them to access appropriate help. You do not need to have all the answers. Simply listening, believing them and helping them find support can make a real difference.
Cllr Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for social care and health said:
“Recognising male victims of domestic abuse is an important part of ensuring our response is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
We need to challenge the barriers that can prevent victims of domestic abuse from speaking out and make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength.
By listening without judgement, taking disclosures seriously and promoting the support available, we can help create a culture where every victim feels safe to seek help.”
#MenYouAreNotAlone
