Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. While it is often thought of as a problem that only affects women, male domestic violence is a very real and serious issue as well.
In this blog post, I will discuss the issue of male domestic violence, its causes, effects, and how to seek help.
The Reality of Domestic Violence Towards Men
Domestic violence towards men is often underreported, as men may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they are being abused.
According to the Male Domestic Abuse Network:
- 757,000 men in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse in 2019/20
- Nearly half of male victims of domestic abuse never tell anyone about it
According to the ManKind Initiative:
- 11% of men affected by partner abuse have considered taking their own life
According to Gov.uk:
- 86 men were victims of domestic homicide in England and Wales between 2018 and 2020
- 526,000 males were victims of stalking in England and Wales between 2019 and 2020
According to Psychology Today:
- Gender stereotypes make it difficult to view men as the victims of domestic abuse
- Male victims of domestic abuse often feel isolated, embarrassed and emasculated
Domestic violence towards men can take many forms, including: coercive control, physical violence, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. It can occur in heterosexual relationships, as well as in same-sex relationships.
Signs of Domestic Violence Towards Men
The signs of domestic violence towards men can be similar to those experienced by women. These signs may include:
- Physical signs such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Emotional signs such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem
- Behavioural signs such as isolation from friends and family, or a change in behaviour
Causes of Domestic Violence Towards Men
The causes of domestic violence towards men are complex and can be influenced by a number of factors. These may include:
- Gender roles and societal expectations
- Substance abuse
- Mental health issues
- Childhood experiences of abuse or trauma
It’s important to note that domestic violence towards men is never the victim’s fault. Regardless of the circumstances, abuse is never acceptable.
Effects of Domestic Violence Towards Men
The effects of domestic violence towards men can be devastating and long-lasting. These effects may include:
- Physical injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Financial instability
- Relationship problems, including difficulty trusting others
Domestic violence towards men can also have a significant impact on mental health, leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence towards men, it’s important to seek help. There are many resources available for men who are experiencing domestic violence, including:
- Respect Men’s Advice Line
- ManKind Initiative
- Survivors UK
- Men’s Advisory Project
- Abused Men in Scotland
- Safer Wales
- National LGBT+ Helpline for Victims and Survivors of Abuse
- Men’s Aid Ireland
- Local domestic violence shelters and support groups
- The Police (if you are at immediate risk, dial 999)
It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that you don’t have to go through this alone.
Conclusion
Domestic violence towards men is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities. It’s important to raise awareness about this issue and to provide support and resources for those who are experiencing abuse. By working together, we can help to end domestic violence towards men and create a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.
About Our Guest Blogger – Kitty Tilder
Kitty Is a student mental health nurse due to qualify in September 2023.
Kitty also works on male inpatient mental health wards as a healthcare assistant, which is where her passion and drive surrounding improving male mental health stemmed from, and what has caused her to create Listen Up Lads.
Listen Up Lads Instagram account
Get in touch with Kitty by emailing: [email protected]