20/11/2025
Justice Minister Urges Men To Seek Domestic Abuse Help
Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged any man experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and seek help, backing a call from the PSNI.
The Minister confirmed that the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all victims, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, or status, can access tailored support across Northern Ireland.
Minister Long reiterated that domestic abuse can affect anyone and stressed that men who come forward to seek help are showing "strength, not weakness."
Recent statistics from the PSNI confirm the scale of the issue, showing that over 30% of recorded domestic abuse crime victims in the region are male.
"More men are recognising the signs of abuse and reaching out for support. This is a positive and important step forward," Minister Long said. "No-one affected by domestic abuse should ever feel ashamed or that they must suffer in silence."
The Minister highlighted the Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Strategy, launched by the Department of Justice and the Department of Health, which is designed to support all victims. She acknowledged that men often face particular barriers when seeking help, including stigma, the fear of not being believed, and limited access to male-focused services or specialist accommodation.
"This underscores the need for continued awareness, support and tailored services for all who experience abuse," she continued. "However, it is absolutely essential that any man living under the shadow of domestic abuse knows that they can come forward; they will be believed and they will receive the help and support they need to move forward with their lives."
Minister Long praised organisations such as the Men’s Advisory Project for their vital work in delivering support and interventions specifically tailored to male victims. She also confirmed that key support services, including the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, the ASSIST NI Advocacy Service, and Victim Support NI, remain committed to providing the same standard of care and protection to male victims as any other victim.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse—male or female—is encouraged to reach out for support by calling the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.
The Minister confirmed that the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all victims, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, or status, can access tailored support across Northern Ireland.
Minister Long reiterated that domestic abuse can affect anyone and stressed that men who come forward to seek help are showing "strength, not weakness."
Recent statistics from the PSNI confirm the scale of the issue, showing that over 30% of recorded domestic abuse crime victims in the region are male.
"More men are recognising the signs of abuse and reaching out for support. This is a positive and important step forward," Minister Long said. "No-one affected by domestic abuse should ever feel ashamed or that they must suffer in silence."
"This underscores the need for continued awareness, support and tailored services for all who experience abuse," she continued. "However, it is absolutely essential that any man living under the shadow of domestic abuse knows that they can come forward; they will be believed and they will receive the help and support they need to move forward with their lives."
Minister Long praised organisations such as the Men’s Advisory Project for their vital work in delivering support and interventions specifically tailored to male victims. She also confirmed that key support services, including the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, the ASSIST NI Advocacy Service, and Victim Support NI, remain committed to providing the same standard of care and protection to male victims as any other victim.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse—male or female—is encouraged to reach out for support by calling the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.
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