There is an almost invisible side to male violence that goes beyond brawls in soccer fan blocks or on so-called ‘men's days’. This is when men are affected by violence in their homes. There, too, they suffer psychological pressure, economic violence, isolation, blows, knocks, kicks or objects being thrown at them. Men file about one in five reports of violence within a partnership.

The broader term ‘domestic violence’ also includes violence by siblings, adult children or parents. Almost one in three reports of violence in these relationships is filed by men. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, more than 70,000 men were affected by domestic violence in 2022. That's enough to fill almost two soccer stadiums.
But very few of the men affected seek the help they need and to which they are entitled under the Protection against Violence Act. Shame, prejudice, taboos, patriarchal structures and a poorly developed, little-known support system prevent them from doing so.

The Federal Agency and Coordination Office on Men's Violence (BFKM) has set itself the goal of changing this. We work together with women's aid organisations and owe them a great deal of know-how and experience gained from decades of commitment. If necessary, every person affected should have access to counselling or a place in a shelter near them. Background, gender, sexuality or religious beliefs do not play a role.