Falsely Accused Men and the Overlooked Reality of Domestic Abuse

By Michael Thompson

Founder, Falsely Accused Network

When men come to the Falsely Accused Network after being falsely accused of domestic abuse, a striking pattern emerges time and time again: behind the allegation there is often a history of the man himself being subjected to domestic abuse — usually at the hands of his female partner.

This is something that isn’t widely spoken about in society. Too often, male victims remain invisible. The narrative is framed in such a way that their experiences are minimised or ignored altogether. Yet in the hundreds of calls and emails we’ve had, I’ve seen the same threads reappear: manipulation, intimidation, coercion, isolation, and in some cases outright physical abuse.

Codependency and Control

One common theme we’ve observed is codependency traits. Many of the men we speak to describe years of “walking on eggshells,” desperately trying to keep the peace, often to protect children or avoid conflict. They tend to put their partner’s needs before their own, tolerating unacceptable behaviour until it spirals into something much more serious.

Codependency, at its core, is about imbalance. It’s about one person giving up too much of themselves, trying to fix or please another, often at great personal cost. For the men we support, this can leave them trapped in unhealthy relationships, vulnerable to manipulation, and, sadly, at risk of being falsely accused when the relationship breaks down.

Empowerment, Not Dependency

That is why our work at the Falsely Accused Network isn’t about rescuing men or doing everything for them. If we stepped into that role, we’d only be repeating the same patterns of dependency they’ve been living under. Instead, our mission is about empowerment.

We help men take control of their own situation — not by carrying them, but by equipping them. We connect them with the best legal assistance they can afford. We have skilled coaches who work with them on resilience, mindset, and practical strategies for navigating false allegations and domestic abuse. We offer guidance, tools, and encouragement.

But ultimately, the man has to learn to help himself. He has to take ownership of his case, his healing, and his future.

The Path Forward

False allegations can shatter lives, reputations, and families. They can leave men feeling powerless. But there is a way through. By recognising patterns of abuse, addressing codependency, and stepping into a position of strength, men can rebuild their lives with dignity and determination.

At the Falsely Accused Network, we are here to stand beside them — not to do it for them, not to feed dependency, but to help them reclaim control. That’s the only sustainable path forward.

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Contact us

📧 support@falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk

🌐 www.falselyaccusednetwork.co.uk

📞 0204 538 8788

Falsely Accused Network supports those falsely accused of domestic abuse in England & Wales. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.