Research on Domestic Violence Against Men

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to bring more public awareness to domestic violence against men. Our research proved that little or no concerns are given to battered men who cry out for help from the law enforcement; in most cases minimum rights are given to them in court. Domestic violence against men is not being addressed with a sense of urgency as it is for women. Limited resources are available for the abused men and minimum funding are provided for assistance of any kind. Statistics show that domestic violence reported rate may be higher for women than men since men tend to hide the abuse due to pride and society stereotype. There is a great need for equal opportunity for the abused victim whether that individual is a male or female. Researchers believe that domestic violence against women may not decrease at a rapid rate, but should we walk away when the men share their pain?

When thirty years old Linda called the cops regarding an alleged abuse against her husband, she quickly came to her senses and admitted to the cops that she should be the one arrested. Linda confessed to physically and verbally abusing her disabled husband; unfortunately, the police did not detain Linda and the abuse continued (Malenfant, 2001).

Research on Domestic Violence Against Men

Domestic violence is very serious, no matter which partner is perpetrating the abuse. Violence against men, however, is slowly becoming more recognized. This would have to be attributed to the number of males that are gradually coming forward to tell their stories. While we may never actually get a firm grip on the real number of men that are victims of abuse because of their fear of ridicule, and feeling of shame. Violence against men is becoming more commonly accepted as a problem that needs to be reckoned with.

Positive Effects of Stepping Forward

Creating Awareness

In previous times, and often even still, men are thought of as the stronger sex. This may be true physically, however; women tend to contain the power psychologically. This power is just as overwhelming and harmful as physical abuse. In fact, injuries as a result of abuse has been proven to have had escalated from original verbal and emotional abuse. This control comes from the abuser utilizing shame to gain control over their victims. Basically, they attack the male ego (Wicker, 2004).

Men who suffer as victims from domestic violence are said to have at one point in their lives, been either a child victim or witness of abuse. They ultimately permit this behavior, or power over them, because it is all that they know (Pearson, 2001).

Violent behavior in both males and females have not been effectively dealt with as of yet, for there has been no clarity, or true understanding of this conduct. Until we can clearly identify all the reasons that people react with violence, we will not be able to stop it (Updike, 2004).

By male victims standing up for themselves against their abusive women, and seeking assistance, it not only assists us in our research of this widespread problem, but it allows

awareness that this is something that is "out there" and requires us to take a very close look in order to stop the cycle.

Negative Effects

Men's rights activists say that many men don't talk about being victims of domestic violence, because they weren't hurt badly; they don't think anyone will believe them, or they are ashamed (Cose, 1996). A woman can abuse a man, since she knows he will have little if any option in the legal system. In turn, men feel humiliated, discouraged, isolated, guilty, depressed, angry and vulnerable. Most men will stay in an abusive relationship because he is mentally, emotionally, or financially dependent on the abusive woman (Flor, 1999).

The idea of leaving the relationship makes him feel more depression and anxiety. Men are normally thought to be strong enough to cope with physical attacks and to deal with their consequences (Wicker, 2004). The emotional abuse that men may encounter affects them more, than when it's a man emotionally abusing a woman. Some men have feelings of lack of control and inadequacy, which causes them to lose self-esteem. They don't want to attempt anything because they feel they are going to fail. The pain and humiliation of being abused by a woman, together with the lack of response to their predicament within the public eye, causes them to continue to be abused and hide their situation (Flor, 1999).

Many of the violence against men are not recognized because police and hospitals are only trained to look for violence against women (Cook, 2004). If they see a man with a black eye, they think it's because he was in a fight with another man. In fact, it seems that no one wants to hear about male victims. To the public, they are an embarrassment and threaten the validity of the stereotype that the majority of men are violent and aggressive. Sometimes they are blamed for being the victims or the violence against them is justified in a variety of ways (Flor, 1999). As a culture we prefer to make the male victims the subject of humor and banter, not offer them help.

Support Groups

By making society conscious of domestic violence against male victims, it has aided in creating and informing victims of help that is out there for them. This would include support groups. Being able to identify with peers that have similar situations, and discussing these issues, can help the healing begin.

While there are far more support groups for female victims, the number of male support groups is slowly escalating, as the need is becoming known. One of these support groups is Domestic Violence Anonymous (DVA). DVA was founded in 1983, and is a twelve-step group that provides support to both male and female victims of abuse. In addition, Battered Husbands Support is an online support group that may give vital information to those seeking assistance. Based Guys is another online forum for those who suffer from abuse at the hand of their female partners (Quest Diagnostic, 2004).

The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) is the most informative avenue for information on support for domestic violence victims (male and female alike). They provide the victim with information such as legal advice, counseling information, and where to find safe shelter if need be. There are currently hotlines