MALE DV
By Love Simmons
T H E I S S U E
One important issue surrounding male domestic violence is that men who experience abuse often struggle to be believed or supported because of social expectations about masculinity. Many male victims of intimate partner violence face stigma that discourages them from reporting abuse or seeking help.
DENISE A. HINES
WHO WE ARE LOREM
Hines explained that men may fear being ridiculed, blamed, or nottakenseriouslybyauthorities, which leads many cases to go unreported. She notes that male victims can experience serious psychological, emotional and physical harm similar to other victims, but resources such as shelters, counseling services, and public awareness campaigns are oftenlessaccessibletothem.
The more that we choose not to talk about domestic violence, the more we shy away from the issue, the more we lose – Russell Willson
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KEY FACTS
About1in4men experiencephysical violencefroman intimatepartner: Researchshowsthat approximately1in4men intheUnitedStateshave experiencedsomeform ofphysicalviolencebyan intimatepartnerduring theirlifetime, demonstratingthatDVis notonlyexperiencedby women,butalsoaffectsa largenumberofmen.
NCADV
About1in7men experiencesevere physicalviolence: Studiesreportbythe CDCindicatethat around1in7men age18andolder havebeenvictimsof severephysical violence(suchas beating,burning, and/orstrangling)by anintimatepartner duringtheirlifetime.
CDC
Nearly1in3men experiencesomefrom ofpartnerviolence: Accordingtonational surveys,about1in3 menhaveexperienced sexualviolence,physical violence,and/orstalking byanintimatepartnerat somepointintheirlives, highlightingthatmake victimizationin relationshipsismore commonthanmany peoplerealize.
CDC
50% IS NEVER REPORTED
Data from the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey found that only about 52% of domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement, meaning roughly 48% go unreported.
U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics –National Crime Victimization Survey
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V I C T I M S A R E
L E S S L I K E L Y
T O B E B E L I E V E D
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I never thought a man could be a victim of domestic violence. I was embarrassed and ashamed, and I didn’t think anyone would believe me – Alex Skeel, DV Survivor
1. GENDER STEROTYPES ABOUT MASCULINITY
Males are less likely to be believed due to traditional stereotypes that men are supposed to be strong and able to defend themselves. These beliefs can make people assume that men cannot be victims of abuse, which discourages male victims from speaking out. Social expectations about masculinity often cause male victims to feel shame or fear ridicule if they report abuse. As a result, many men stay silent about their experiences.
DENISE A. HINES
3. FEAR OF STIGMA AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
2. BIAS WITHIN THE JUSTICE AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Domestic violence services and legal responses have historically focused more on protecting women, leading to bias when men report abuse. Some men report being dismissed or even treated as the aggressor when they try to seek help. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, male victims often face barriers such as fewer resources, shelters and support services designed for them.
NDVH
Stigma surrounding men who report abuse fear that others will mock them, question their masculinity, or assume they are exaggerating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stigma and social pressure contribute to underreporting of intimate partner violence among men. This lack of reporting reinforces the misconception that male victimization is rare.
A C T I O N / S U P P O R T
WHAT WE CAN DO
INCREASEAWRENESS
THATMENCANALSO BEVICTIMS
Raising public awareness that domestic violence can affect men as well as women, such as public education, campaigns, and media coverage can help reduce stigma and encourage male victims to seek help. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, educating the public about male victimization helps people recognize abuse and makes it easier for men to come forward without fear of judgement.
EXPANDSUPPORT
SERVICESFORMALE
VICTIMS
Expanding resources such as shelters, counseling, and support groups that are available to male victims is another way to help. Many existing services were originally designed primarily for women, which can make it difficult for men to find appropriate help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that improving access to support services for all victims is an important step in addressing intimate partner violence.
CDC
IMPROVETRAINING
Training police officers, healthcare workers, and social service providers to recognize domestic violence against men can also improve support. Proper training can help reduce bias and ensure male victims are taken seriously when they report abuse. The World Health Organization recommends professional training as part of a broader strategy to improve responses to intimate partner violence. WHO