You never thought that it would happen to you. That’s one common theme running through one group of partners/spouses who experienced domestic violence.
But the stigma remains for male victims of domestic violence. Read on to learn more about how this demographic group struggles to acknowledge their victim status and learn more about the resources they can tap to find help.
Male victims are minority group
At least 85% of domestic violence victims are female. But that still leaves about 15% who are male, suffering from the effects of a toxic relationship turned violent. There are male victims from all socioeconomic, educational and cultural groups.
Age is not a barrier to this form of domestic violence, either, as victims of all ages can be vulnerable.
Different types of domestic violence
The state of California recognizes that domestic abuse is not always physical. In addition to physical abuse that might include slapping, punching, throwing objects at victims, use of weapons and shoving, the following are all examples of other forms of abuse suffered by male and female victims alike:
- Stalking
- Emotional and verbal abuse
- Financial abuse
- Threatening kids, other relatives and pets
- Custody threats
- Sexual coercion
- Forced isolation
All of the above occur to male survivors. They also struggle with resistance from law enforcement officers who might feel a certain way about gay or transgender survivors or question whether a man is actually being victimized by their female partner.
Help is out there
While it might feel particularly demoralizing to admit one has been victimized, that is the first step in the transformation from victim to survivor. Below are some resources that can be tapped in such volatile situations.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Legal team of trusted advocates
- Friends and relatives who are safe
- Medical personnel
This list is not all-inclusive. You may have additional help available to you. Help begins with that first call.