Breaking the Silence: When Men Reach Out for Help

When we picture survivors of domestic abuse, our minds often default to women and children. And while they do make up the majority of those we serve, we’ve also seen a quieter but deeply important truth emerge from our intake line:

16.8% of the referrals we’ve received are from men.

Men are survivors, too.

They may not always present the same way. They may downplay their experiences, avoid using the word "abuse," or ask for help with something else entirely—like housing or pet care—before revealing the full picture.

But over time, their stories come out:

• A man sleeping in his car because he was pushed out of his home by a controlling partner.

• A father seeking safety for his children and their dog after enduring years of emotional manipulation.

• A young adult who was told no one would believe him if he spoke up about what he endured.

For male survivors, shame and stigma often create massive barriers to asking for help. Society tells them to "man up," to be tough, to stay silent. But abuse does not discriminate, and masculinity does not protect someone from trauma.

When men reach out to us, they’re not just asking for support with their pets. They’re taking a brave and vulnerable step toward safety—and often doing it alone.

At The Paw in Hand Project, we believe that every survivor deserves compassion, resources, and dignity.

That includes men.

That includes their pets.

That includes their stories.

So yes—men call us, too. And when they do, we listen.

If you're reading this and thinking, "That sounds like someone I know," or even "That sounds like me"—you are not alone. We see you. We believe you. And we are here.

Because healing isn’t gendered. Safety should never be selective. And dignity belongs to everyone.