Sadness at Christmas

Thanks @MJG017 l appreciate your kind words. I live in a regional town n Victoria but there is no mental health support groups locally. Unfortunately with DV their is a perception that all men are the aggressive ones and women are always the Victims it's not always the case government funded DV support agencies just fobbed me off and did want to help.

those days would be really tough, especially without support from your family @john74 while the mods are on break, there'll be social chats too on the forums such as this one Tuesday Coffee and Chat -- 23rd December 2025 run by @Shaz51 😊
feel free to join in and connect with the community there too at any time, you're not alone here 💙

Hi @john74

I'm sorry to hear about so much of what you're having to deal with. Being dismissed or not believed like that must be so incredible painful and isolating. It's so sad and frustrating that for men like yourself there doesn't seem to be much room for men's experiences in this area. But try to keep in mind that that doesn't make any of what you went through any less real or harmful. Regardless of your gender, you deserve to be taken seriously and supported. Being fobbed off just adds another layer of hurt.

Living regionally would cut down on the support options around you. I know you would have tried a few places, but have you thought of more online options? Places like Mensline Australia, Men's Referral Service or 1800RESPECT. I know they have services to support men trying to change their behaviour, but they also have counseling and support for men who are experiencing DV. So they say anyway. Might be worth a try if you haven't tried any of these yet. You do deserve some help and support so I hope you can find it somewhere. In the meantime, we are here to listen and support you however we can.