Domestic violence doesn’t only happen to women. Men—cisgender, transgender, non-binary—can also be victims of intimate partner violence. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. But because of stigma, fear, and disbelief, many men suffer in silence.

You are not alone. Help is available, and you deserve safety.

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• Verbal or emotional abuse (belittling, threats, insults)

• Physical violence (slapping, pushing, throwing objects)

• Sexual coercion or assault

• Controlling behavior (monitoring calls, social media, movements)

• Threats involving children, finances, or reputation

• False accusations to discredit or isolate you

Abuse is about control—not strength. It can happen regardless of gender.

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• Fear of not being believed

• Shame or embarrassment due to gender stereotypes

• Belief that “men should be able to handle it”

• Fear of being labelled the aggressor

• Lack of visible support systems for men

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• Men’s Helpline Ontario – 1-866-877-6253

  • 24/7, confidential support for men experiencing violence

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

  • May also assist male survivors or provide referrals

• Talk for Healing (for Indigenous men) – 1-855-554-4325

• 211 Ontario – Dial 2-1-1 to get referrals for local shelters, counselling, and legal aid

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• Some Ontario shelters accept male-identifying survivors or offer alternative safe housing options

• Sheltersafe.ca can help filter shelters by gender-inclusive access

• Men with children may also qualify for transitional housing through local agencies

• Housing support is available even without police involvement

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• Male survivors have the same legal rights to protection and justice

• You can:

  • File for a restraining order

  • Report abuse to police

  • Access Legal Aid Ontario for custody, protection, or immigration help

  • Get court support through the Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)

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• Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF)

  • Group therapy, legal aid clinics, trauma counselling

• Good Shepherd (Hamilton)

  • Crisis housing and men’s services

• Family Service Ontario

  • Sliding-scale therapy, including male-focused trauma work

• Egale Canada – LGBTQ2S+ support for male survivors

• Across Boundaries – Culturally informed mental health support for racialized men

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• ✅ Abuse can happen to anyone—gender doesn’t protect you

• ✅ You have legal rights and don’t need to prove physical harm to get help

• ✅ Confidential services exist to help men escape abuse

• ✅ You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for support

• ✅ Talking is strength—not weakness

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• Men’s Helpline Ontario – 1-866-877-6253

• Canadian Centre for Men and Families – menandfamilies.org

• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258

• Sheltersafe.ca – sheltersafe.ca

• 211 Ontario – Call 2-1-1 for 24/7 referrals

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