Men as victims of intimate partner violence in online discussions

What is it about?

Recent discussions about men’s victimisation position men in ways that are in stark contrast to more widespread associations between masculinity and perpetration of violence. This article examines how these contradictions play out in online discussions about intimate partner violence committed by women and experienced by men. The analysis identified two different ways in which men were talked about in these discussions: as neglected victims and as naturally superior perpetrators. Furthermore, the analysis shows how this talk both obscures and highlights the relevance of gender in intimate partner violence, and how social meanings linked to masculinities are negotiated in the context of the discussions.

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Why is it important?

The article sheds light on the timely issue of men claiming victimhood, the associated challenges to feminist understandings of intimate partner violence, and on the role of online forums in circulating this rhetoric. By doing so, the article helps to understand the dilemmatic aspects in this increased talk about men's victimization, and how such talk may contribute to the sustenance of gendered inequalities.