The Observer ran an article on 5 September 2010 stating that more than 40% of domestic violence victims are male. The statistic has come from the campaign group Parity. Parity claims assaults by wives and girlfriends are often ignored by police and the media in the UK and that the attacker often goes free. There are also less male refuges to flee to. Only 60 places, compared to 7,500 for women.

The analysis of statistics on domestic violence shows the number of men attacked by wives or girlfriends is much higher than previously thought. Its report, Domestic Violence: The Male Perspective, states: "Domestic violence is often seen as a female victim/male perpetrator problem, but the evidence demonstrates that this is a false picture."

It has been suggested that the official figure is in fact much lower than the true number of male victims because it’s culturally very difficult for men to say that they have been abused by a woman so they avoid reporting incidents to the police.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, male or female, there are court orders that can protect you and your children. The court can make a Non – Molestation Order which essentially prohibits the violent person from behaving in a violent or threatening manner towards the victim and any children of the family. The court can also make an Occupation Order which excludes the violent partner from the family home. The Occupation Order can, and often does, extend to excluding the violent partner from a specified area near the family home. In urgent cases, it may possible to obtain a court order within 24 hours of seeing a solicitor.

For further information and advice on this issue, and other family law issues, please contact us for a free initial consultation on 01992 306 616 or 0207 956 2740 or email us.