A third of domestic violence victims are male – yet it remains taboo. Here one abused man shares his story.

The first time my ex-wife’s temper turned from vicious insults into violence was after I’d had a haircut she didn’t like. She dragged me down the hall by my hair, punching the back of my neck. 

Soon after, she repeatedly hit me on the head with a telephone receiver after she didn’t approve of the way I’d spoken to my mum. 

And, most absurdly, she set about my shins with a child’s plastic golf club after I’d hung my underwear out to dry without folding it the right way.

According to recent British Crime Survey statistics, a third of domestic violence victims are male (posed by model)

Did I say anything to anyone? Or leave her? No, I didn’t. For, like thousands of other male victims of domestic violence, I was mortally ashamed of what was happening to me, convinced if only I was a better husband, these attacks would stop.

I made light of what was happening, even though it robbed me of my confidence and self-esteem. After all, I was a man. How could I be a victim of someone nearly half my size?

Except I was. And it’s not just me. According to recent British Crime Survey statistics, a third of domestic violence victims are male. That’s 400,000 men a year. At least.