The Overlooked Crisis: Female-to-Male Abuse and Its Link to Male Suicide

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Jonathan Odom, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

While domestic abuse is often portrayed with female victims and male perpetrators, a significant number of men experience abuse from female partners. This issue is frequently underreported due to societal stigma, leading to a lack of support and recognition. The psychological toll of such abuse can be profound, with a notable correlation to increased suicide risk among male victims.​

Prevalence of Female-to-Male Abuse

Recent data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (2023/24) indicates that 1 in 7 men (13.7%) will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, equating to approximately 2.95 million men. In the same period, 712,000 men (3.0%) reported being victims of domestic abuse. Despite these figures, only 4.8% of domestic abuse victims supported by local services are men, highlighting a significant gap in support systems .​
Mankind

Impact on Mental Health and Suicide Risk

The psychological effects of abuse on male victims are severe. A study from Queen’s University Belfast found that over 70% of men who suffered intimate partner violence considered suicide . The stigma surrounding male victimhood often prevents men from seeking help, exacerbating feelings of isolation and despair.​
Them+6Verywell Mind+6The Irish News+6
The Irish News

Furthermore, the National Violent Death Reporting System identified that intimate partner abuse played a role in 2,031 male suicides across all age groups . These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health support for male victims of domestic abuse.​
LEB

Barriers to Seeking Help

Societal norms and gender stereotypes contribute to the underreporting of female-to-male abuse. Men may fear disbelief, ridicule, or being perceived as weak if they disclose their experiences. This reluctance is compounded by a lack of male-focused support services and resources.​

Case Highlight: Earl Silverman

Earl Silverman, a Canadian advocate for male victims of domestic abuse, tragically took his own life in 2013 after years of struggling to gain recognition and support for male victims. He founded the Men’s Alternative Safe House, the only privately funded shelter for male victims in Canada at the time. His death highlights the dire consequences of neglecting male victims in domestic abuse discourse .​
Wikipedia

Conclusion

Addressing female-to-male abuse requires dismantling societal stigmas and expanding support systems to be inclusive of all victims, regardless of gender. Recognizing the prevalence and impact of such abuse is a critical step toward providing the necessary resources and interventions to prevent further tragedies.​

Resources for Support