Men's experiences of female-perpetrated partner violence and its impact on them

What is it about?

This study provides qualitative information from 59 male victims of female-perpetrated partner violence. Men discussed the various forms of violence and abuse committed against them, including physical and psychological violence, and the negative impact it had on their physical and mental health. They also discussed the issues that prevented them from seeking help, and the issues that prompted them to seek help. Both seeking help and not seeking help often led to further negative impact. Although counter-intuitive, seeking help often resulted in further isolation and shaming of the men, which the men attributed to a helping system and larger cultural stereotypes that domestic violence only happens to women. They particularly highlighted the lack of available resources for them.

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Photo by Tom Jur on Unsplash

Photo by Tom Jur on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control in the United States suggests that about half of all partner violence victims are men, yet we have little research on their experiences and what happens when they try to get help. This study shows that men can sustain severe partner abuse, resulting in adverse mental and physical health, yet there are little-to-no resources available to them. Service providers need to be trained in male victimization, and the larger public needs to be educated on the existence and experiences of male partner violence victims.

Perspectives