If you're a man experiencing domestic or family violence, it's important to know that you're not alone. There are no official statistics on how many men experience violence and abuse in their relationships, but it could be as many as 1 in 3.

This includes husbands, sons, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, nephews, friends, neighbours and colleagues from all walks of life and all ages.

Men often don't report abuse by women because they feel embarrassed or think they won't be believed if they report it. Perpetrators can be a wife, girlfriend or partner but can also be children, parents, siblings and carers of all genders.

Read Cyrus' story and David's story. These men are survivors of domestic and family violence.

What does domestic and family violence look like for male victims?

The most common forms of violence and abuse against men are:

Physical assault – slapping, hitting, scratching

– slapping, hitting, scratching Emotional and psychological abuse – belittling remarks, yelling, screaming, put-downs, being ignored, constant criticism

– belittling remarks, yelling, screaming, put-downs, being ignored, constant criticism Limited decision making – having all decisions relating to finances, purchases, lifestyle and living arrangements made for you

– having all decisions relating to finances, purchases, lifestyle and living arrangements made for you Social isolation – being unreasonably restricted from your family or friends

– being unreasonably restricted from your family or friends Dominating behaviour – behaviour designed to deliberately frighten, harm or control you, for example: threatening to harm you, themselves or someone else.

(From MensLine Australia)

An abusive person may also bite, spit, throw things, destroy your belongings or hurt your pet. They may also control how you spend your money, act possessive and jealous and accuse you of having an affair, humiliate you in front of friends and family.

You may feel helpless, depressed, worthless, powerless and isolated. You may have feelings of guilt, shame and despair. You might find it hard to sleep or concentrate on tasks at work.

Remember that no one deserves violence. Domestic and family violence is against the law and is a crime. It's not your fault and you're not to blame for what is happening.

Why men don't leave abusive relationships

Many people wonder why a woman who is being abused in a violent relationship doesn't just leave. When it's a man who is being abused, people are even more puzzled. But those who've experienced domestic and family violence know it's never that simple. And that ending an abusive relationship is hard.

Maybe you've stayed in the relationship because: