This project was brought to life after contacting a domestic abuse agency based in the Rhondda Valleys in South Wales, the Rhondda Cynon Taf Domestic Abuse Services. The organisation helped me create connections with men who have undergone counselling and are progressing through life after experiencing domestic abuse.

Mickey, a young man who hasn't long been an adult, had experienced domestic abuse throughout his childhood and adulthood. He and his mother kindly invited me to photograph their home and discuss the ongoing issue of the lack of help for men who are recipients of abuse. Mickey gave me an insight into the ongoings of his life from his first experience with domestic abuse to his court order against his abuser. I went on to photograph around his household with all of the information he provided fresh in my mind, making connections from his story to the objects around his house.

I then went on to photograph “Keith”, who didn’t want his identity to be shared; however, he allowed me to document his world after getting help. I worked closely with “Keith” to display his personality through his hobbies and creative side, which is scattered throughout his home. He was limited as to what he could tell me about his story, but he mentioned how much he has progressed through the trauma he endured.

What I have learned through this project so far is that men require more charities and organisations that will specifically tailor their aid towards the male victims of domestic abuse. Speaking to the organisation and the men who have received help, the lack of male counsellors who work with these men has been clearly shown due to decreased attendance at meetings when a female counsellor is the group leader.

South Wales: Male Domestic Abuse

A black and white dog statue with a chain collar is positioned between two wooden chairs with dark leather cushions, on a patterned rug.
Top-down view of a wooden table with various items including a cup, a tissue box, a small robotic figure, a keychain, black pieces, a red Liverpool football club mascot cutout with the phrase "You'll never walk alone," framed artwork, a black and whi
A bouquet of wilted, partially dried roses in pink, yellow, white, and purple, in a black vase
A clear acrylic plaque with a loving message for Dad, placed on a wooden desk among electronic devices, a white decorative pot, and a plastic container.
A coffee mug with a humorous message about mothers, placed on a wooden table surrounded by other containers and objects.
A man standing in a kitchen engaging with two black puppies, one of which is jumping up toward his hand, while the other sits on the floor. The man is holding a treat or toy in his hand, and there are kitchen cabinets, a toaster, and a window in the
A young man with dark hair and a beard standing in a room near a desk with a fan and other items, in front of a window with sheer curtains and floral drapes, wearing a black t-shirt and light gray shorts.
A young man with a beard sitting on a black leather sofa, smiling, with clutter on the backrest, including blankets and a pillow with a face on it, in a living room with standing lamps and a side table.
A young man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a black t-shirt, gray shorts, and black slide sandals, standing with arms crossed and looking to the side inside a room. There are curtains and lace window treatments behind him.
Paintbrushes and art supplies in ceramic jars on a windowsill.
A brown dog with white paws looking at a green snake on a wooden floor near a doorway.
A wooden door with a shiny brass door handle and an attached sign that reads "Little progress happening around here today, it's like peeing in the wind!"
Three brown candles shaped like human figures with their hands covering their ears, sitting on a wooden surface.
A page from a book or dictionary with the phrase "Take a break" written in large, red letters across the text. The words are hand-drawn and overlay the printed text.
A wooden door with a sign hanging on it that reads, 'Ring Bell for Service and Comfort,' showing a person calling a bell and a person serving tea in a living room setting.
Decorative outdoor wall with a clock and multiple colorful face sculptures, shelves with bottles, and a hanging basket.
A wooden sign with the words 'NO RIF RAF' in black letters, mounted above a wooden door frame, with floral patterned wallpaper in the background.
Framed vintage map of South Wales hanging on a decorative wallpapered wall.