One in four people in same-sex relationships suffer from domestic violence or abuse in the UK, a new study has revealed.

80% of trans people have also experienced emotionally, sexually or physically abusive behavior by a partner or ex-partner, according to UK-based charity Broken Rainbow.

The charity has released the statistics for Gay, Bi and Trans Male Domestic Violence Awareness Week, which begins today (4 March).

Broken Rainbow says there has to be a greater investment in campaigns explaining in plain language what domestic violence and abuse actually is.

They are also concerned some lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have learned to accept abuse and violence as normal.

Helen Grant, the UK government’s Victims’ Minister, said: ‘In the UK one man dies every three weeks as a result of domestic violence. Behind this statistic is a life that has been ruined.

‘Domestic abuse has damaged our society for too long and it must stop. More often than not domestic violence is discussed in the context of men as perpetrators and women as victims.

‘We must change this because all violence, and indeed abuse, in intimate relationships is inexcusable.’

She added: ‘As Victims’ Minister I will do all I can to raise awareness of sexual and domestic violence. Top of my list are prevention of violence and championing justice for every victim.’

A spokesman for Galop, a London anti-gay hate crime charity, praised the week raising awareness of male survivors of domestic abuse.

‘Abuse can take many forms, such as emotional, financial, sexual, physical and financial. It can be perpetrated by current and ex-intimate partners and family members,’ they said.

‘I am encouraged by the fact there is a week dedicated to raising awareness of male survivors of domestic abuse. This demonstrates a shift towards a wider view of domestic abuse and it helps to challenge the notion domestic abuse is only perpetrated by men towards women.’