Violence. Battered men: breaking a taboo that hides another

The subject sometimes raises a smile, and that is precisely the problem. In 2024, 16% of the 272,400 victims of domestic violence recorded by the police and gendarmerie in France were men, more than 40,000 people. In 2025, 25 men were killed by their female or male partner or ex-partner, according to the national study by the Ministry of the Interior.

Recognising the violence suffered by men takes nothing away from the seriousness of the violence suffered by women, who remain by far the most numerous victims and the most often killed. It is simply about leaving no one without help.

“A man can defend himself”: this is often the sentence that stops men from speaking.

A double burden: violence and shame

Male victims often describe the same obstacles: fear of ridicule, fear of not being believed by the police or by those around them, the idea that a man should be able to defend himself. Many also stay for their children, or for fear of losing custody. As a result, the violence is reported even less than for women.

This violence is not only physical. Insults, public humiliation, control over money or the phone, threats to leave with the children, blackmail: psychological violence is frequently described. It also exists in male couples, where it is often even harder to name.

The same rights, the same remedies

The law makes no difference: a male victim can file a complaint at any police station or gendarmerie, ask the family court judge for a protection order, and be received by a victim support association. Medical certificates, messages and testimonies are valuable evidence, to be kept in a safe place.

An association dedicated to men

Specialised organisations also exist. SOS Hommes Battus France, a non-profit association recognised as being of public interest, listens to, advises and guides men who are victims of domestic or family violence, as well as witnesses. It offers in particular a listening service, support circles and talking groups, including remotely, and support from therapeutic and legal advisers.

Rebuilding

Once out of the relationship, many men describe a deep loss of confidence, anger, sometimes a lingering sense of shame. Being able to set this story down in a neutral place, without judgement, is often the first step towards taking back one's life.

This article is for information only. It replaces neither a consultation nor a diagnosis, which is a doctor's role.