A new report suggests that women are more controlling and more aggressive in relationships than men. The author, Dr Elizabeth Banks, hopes to raise awareness and have the issue of domestic abuse towards men be taken more seriously.

Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse and anyone can be an abuser. Men can be a victim of domestic abuse whether their partner is a man or a woman. However, men

But how do you know if you're suffering domestic abuse from your partner?

The NHS lists four types of abuse: Emotional, threats and intimidation, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

Emotional abuse. A person abusing you may:

belittle you, or put you down

blame you for the abuse or for arguments

deny that abuse is happening, or play it down

isolate you from your family and friends

make unreasonable demands for your attention

Threats and intimidation. A person may:

threaten to hurt you or kill you

destroy things that belong to you

stand over you, invade your personal space

threaten to kill themselves, and/or the children

read your emails, texts or letters

harass or follow you

Physical abuse. The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways. These could include:

slapping, hitting or punching

pushing or shoving

biting, kicking

burning you

choking you

throwing things

holding you down

Sexual abuse could include:

touch you in a way you don’t want to be touched

make unwanted sexual demands

hurt you during sex

pressure you to have sex

pressure you to have unsafe sex (for example, not using a condom)

Your partner may also accuse you of flirting or cheating on them. If you ever feel scared of your partner, or you have changed your behaviour because you’re afraid of what your partner might do, you could be in an abusive relationship.

Advice from charity Mens Advice Line recommends:

Keep a record of dates and times of all incidents. If you have been injured, get medical attention from Accident and Emergency (A & E) or your GP and they will make notes of your injuries.

Think about telling your employer about your situation.

Keep your passport and copies of important documents in a safe place (with a friend or relative).

Tell a friend or family member about what's been happening.

Keep your phone fully charged and on you at all times and your credit topped up - in case you need to make emergency calls.

If you decide to leave, it will help to take important documents, such as rent details, passports. It's also recommended you take house keys and tell few people so your partner doesn't know where you're going.

For help or more information, visit:

Men's Advice Line, or call free on 0808 801 0327.

NHS website

DVmen.co.uk was set up by a man who suffered from domestic abuse. On here you can seek help, advice and read some accounts of other men who have been a victim of emotional, verbal or physical abuse by their partner.