The recent Depp vs. Heard case has raised significant awareness for male domestic abuse victims and survivors, but men still find it difficult to speak up.
Background on Depp vs. Heard
Depp & Heard were married for 15 months between 2015 and 2016. They then went on to separate amidst a bitter and high-profile divorce during which Heard accused Depp of domestic violence. The couple is embroiled in an intense defamation case over the abuse allegations causing a media frenzy across the world.
Due to the hearing being visible for all to see, many fans have come forward in supporting Depp with hashtags such as #JusticeforJohnny. Johnny went on to win the US libel lawsuit against Amber Heard.
Who can experience domestic abuse?
The attention to the case highlights that abuse does not discriminate and is experienced by people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, genders, gender identities and sexualities. It affects people of different abilities and happens across every background .
Domestic abuse against males
Males who are being abused often may feel ashamed or afraid to be judged by others, which can lead to stopping them from speaking out. Domestic abuse is always a choice by the perpetrator, and no one should ever be scared to ask for help.
‘61% of the men who call the ManKind Initiative helpline have never spoken to anyone before about the abuse they are suffering and 64% would not have called if the helpline was not anonymous.’- Source: Mankind
Domestic abuse against females
Like men, abused women often experience conflicting emotions such as fear, anger, shame, resentment, sadness and powerlessness
‘The Crime Survey for England and Wales showed that an estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year (1.6 million women and 757,000 men)’. – Source: ONS
Domestic abuse against LGBTQ+
Domestic abuse in LGBTQ community is a very big issue. About 25% of LGBT+ people suffer through violent or threatening relationships with partners or ex-partners which is about the same rates as domestic abuse against heterosexual cis women.
Support for LQBTQ+ who have experienced abuse and violence: https://galop.org.uk/
Signs of domestic abuse
Although every situation is unique there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. They include:
• Criticism and verbal abuse
• Coercive control, including financial control
• Disrespect
• Breaking trust
• Isolation
• Harassment
• Threatening behaviour
• Sexual violence
• Physical violence
• Denial of abuse
Abusive behaviour is unwarranted and unacceptable under any circumstances and is a criminal offence.
How a family lawyer can help
One of the most important things a domestic abuse victim needs is support. Family lawyers aren’t just there to offer legal advice, but also to provide support on how to move forward. They can talk to advisory groups on the victim’s behalf and get them the help and support they need, including providing links to organisations that can help with emergency housing, financial support, and even relocation.
Once the situation has been made safe, it’s then time to make certain that things don’t go back to the way they were. There are various ways that a family solicitor can help achieve this, and several legal avenues victims can go down to protect themselves and their children.
Get in touch
Whatever your circumstances, please contact us if you are suffering, feel threatened or are simply unsure of your situation and would like some legal advice. For a confidential chat please contact the Family & Divorce team on +44 (0) 20 3814 2020 or email naq@blasermills.co.uk.