Male Domestic Abuse

One in three. One in three victims of domestic abuse and violence is male (Robinson & Segal). When asked what they know about domestic violence, most people will describe something along the lines of a man hitting a woman. That is not always the case. Although the general public does not hear about it nearly as often, men experience the same types or abuse almost as often as their female counterparts, but are much less likely to seek help or support (“One in Three Campaign”). This may be because they feel as though they have done something wrong to deserve the abuse they receive or that they are need to maintain a strong exterior. What makes their situation worse is that there are very few resources out there for them. Despite the considerable …show more content…
According to the United States Department of Justice, domestic abuse is a “pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner”. This may include any or all of the following: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and psychological abuse. Physical abuse can consist of hitting, shoving, biting, slapping, and even denying a partner medical treatment or the forced consumption of drugs or alcohol (Robinson & Segal). Sexual abuse is forcing, or attempting to force, any type of sexual contact or behavior without the consent of the other person. Emotional abuse can include nonstop criticism, name-calling, diminishing one’s abilities, and/ or damaging a person’s relationship with their family. Psychological abuse can include intimidation, threatening to harm oneself or others, and/or force isolation (“Domestic Violence”). Any of the actions listed above can happen to anybody, regardless of race, gender, sex, age, or sexual orientation, and can have effects on more than just the victims. It can also affect those close to the victim or the abuser (“Domestic …show more content…
It is also important to keep evidence of the abuse close at hand. If will help his case if the authorities are notified (Robinson & Segal). While there are copious amounts of resources for battered women, resources for battered men are rather scarce. One of the resources that men do have is The National Domestic Violence Hotline ("Men Can Be Victims of Abuse, Too"). This hotline can be accessed by anybody by dialing 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). When a man calls this number he can talk to a domestic violence advocate, with guaranteed confidentiality, 24/7 any day of the year. The advocate can help the victim determine whether they truly are in a dangerous situation or help them find the support systems that are right for them. In certain situations, the Hotline can also help men get in shelter programs which are designed specifically for victims of domestic violence ("Men Can Be Victims of Abuse,