There is an invisible side to male violence, beyond fights in fan blocks or on the open street: men who suffer violence at home, at the hands of their partner. They are under psychological pressure, isolated from friends, endure blows, shoves, kicks or have objects thrown at them. Violence by other family members is also included, up to and including forced marriages, which can also affect men.

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Many of the men do not fight back. About one in three reports of domestic violence is filed by a man. Every year, the Federal Criminal Police Office counts approximately 70,000 boys and men as victims. That's enough to fill two football stadiums.

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What is particularly bad is that very few men seek help or protection to end the violence. Yet all people have a legal right to do so. Shame, prejudice and taboos contribute to men downplaying their experiences of violence. ‘It's not that bad,’ they think. Very few are aware that help is available.

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The Federal Agency and Coordination Office on Men's Violence (BFKM) wants to break the cycle of domestic violence. We work together with women's aid organisations and owe them a great deal of know-how and experience. We all believe that in cases of domestic violence, everyone should have access to counselling or a place in a shelter. Origin, gender, sexuality or religious beliefs should not play a role in this.