Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Interpersonal Abuse and Violence Against Men and Boys (Strategy) 2025-04-23

23 April 2025 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

Women & Equalities

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys (strategy) 2025-04-23 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the current violence against women and girls strategy include the belief that it inadequately addresses the needs of male victims.
  • The debate highlights the need for a dedicated strategy to support male victims of interpersonal abuse and violence, reflecting their unique circumstances.
  • There is a call for appropriate support systems that are distinct from those currently reserved for women and girls.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

This Labour Government have pledged to halve instances of violence against women and girls, an intent that I have no doubt those on both sides of this House are fully able to support. The aim of this Bill is to tackle an aspect of the current violence against women and girls strategy—an aspect that makes no sense and that it is essential for the Government to address. The violence against women and girls strategy currently includes male victims, which forces them into spaces more appropriately reserved for women. There is a need for a dedicated strategy reflecting the differing nature of their circumstances and ensuring appropriate support.

Other contributors (5)
  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    The current mis-categorisation forces male victims into spaces more appropriately reserved for women. The Government have no dedicated strategy for tackling interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys. In 2019, the previous Government published their first ever position statement on male victims, followed by an addendum in 2022. There are additional factors affecting men such as shame and stigma of not appearing to be masculine, being vulnerable or having sexuality outed. Men seeking help often cope alone for long periods and live with abusive partners.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    The crime survey for England and Wales showed that 3% of men aged 16 and over were victims of domestic abuse in the year ending September 2024. As of May 2024, there are only 50 refuges in England with bed spaces for men out of a total of 63,950 people supported in safe accommodation. Male victims are less likely to report domestic abuse to statutory services due to complexities around relationships and risk factors such as homophobia or being disowned by family members.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Sexual abuse against men is under-reported. One in four adults sexually assaulted each year is a man; one in ten rapes and one in seven sexual assaults involve male victims according to the Office for National Statistics. Shame, stigma, homophobia and emasculation prevent sexual abuse from being reported.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Honour-based violence is poorly understood and catered for. Victims are at greater risk of repeat victimisation and multiple perpetrators. The forced marriage unit has seen that 20% of forced marriage victims are male, often from overseas who find themselves in domestic servitude.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Male survivors feel harder to seek help and not taken seriously when categorised as victims of violence against women and girls. The purpose of the Bill is echoed by Baroness Helen Newlove, who urges a dedicated men and boys’ strategy with specific policies, strategic milestones, and funding.

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