Men are victims of domestic violence, too

Stop the Violence
Men are victims of domestic violence, too

It’s very common to hear reports about women being victims of domestic violence. On the other hand, men are also affected as well.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), about 835,000 men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually. Men also experience the same psychological reactions to violence as women including:

• Guilt, shame, and humiliation
• Anger and anxiety
• Depression
• Withdrawal from relationships

Men are also less likely to report the violence and seek services due to the stigma of being a male victim, the fear of not being believed, and the lack of support from society, family members, and friends.

According to the NCADV, below are three of the most common types of abuse:

• Physical abuse: The use of physical force against another in a way that injures that person or puts the victim at risk of being injured. These include pushing, hitting, punching, etc. 

• Emotional/Psychological abuse: Any use of words, tone, action or lack of action meant to control, hurt or demean another person. These include ridicule or intimidation.

• Sexual abuse: Any forced or coerced sexual act or behavior motivated to acquire power and control over the partner.

Sarah Katula, advanced practice nurse at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill, says that it’s important to bring awareness on this issue.

“We are trying to have more men involved at the table when trying to prevent and provide services for those who are abused,” she says.

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