Domestic Violence Against Men Is The Rampant Issue No One Is Talking About 

When most people think of domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, they typically think of the perpetrator of the violence as a man and the victim of the abuse as a woman. While the majority of domestic violence cases often follow that pattern, a disturbingly high number of cases involve male victims. These numbers include men that suffered domestic violence at the hands of women, as well as other men. What’s more shocking is that many men reported that if police were contacted, their abuser was not charged. In some cases, the issue was laughed off. This lack of serious consequences only leaves these male victims of domestic violence more vulnerable. Even creating a stigma that silences them. In order to help prevent this problem, we must further understand it. Read on to see how domestic violence against men is a rampant global issue that often goes unnoticed.

Shocking Numbers Of Abuse

The Centers for Disease Control recently published a shocking article on intimate partner violence against men, that illustrated just how bad this problem has become in this country since going unchecked. The CDC found that 1 in 3 men experience some kind of stalking, sexual violence, or physical violence by an intimate partner. That is a third of all the men in the United States. Or,  millions of men who are being silenced by the stigma that we have created.

For many men, the first instance of domestic violence occurs before they turn 25. Which is, in many cases, before they are even 18. The CDC study illustrated just how deep and pervasive the issue of domestic violence against men in this country is. Even showing how men have been traumatized by western ideals of masculinity into sweeping this violence under the rug. The stigma that surrounds intimate partner violence must be broken in order to help these male victims feel comfortable demanding justice.

Breaking The Stigma

In movies, TV, and other media we often hear the phrase “you hit like a girl” or schoolyard boys jeering “you got beat up by a girl.” The stigma that surrounds male victims of domestic violence is based purely on the fact that society cannot fathom that a woman could hurt a man. This concept simply doesn’t fit the narrative that society has ascribed to men as big and strong. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t lie. With a third of American men having been the victim of some kind of domestic violence, it is time that we break this stigma and show that domestic violence is an issue that affects all genders, not just women.

This stigma not only prevents men from getting the help they need because they are too ashamed of having become a victim, but also causes systemic problems that prevent men from getting help. The overwhelming majority of domestic violence shelters are reserved only for women and children. These same shelters only allow a tiny minority of men. Even worse, there’s a smaller amount being specifically dedicated to men. These shelters could be the difference between life or death for men who are suffering from intimate partner violence. But, the stigma is keeping them from getting the help they need.

What Can Be Done To Help Men Facing Domestic Violence?

In order to break this stigma and allow men to receive the aid they need for domestic violence, certain systemic changes need to occur. First and foremost, intimate partner violence education in public schools should include education for both male and female victims. Police should be trained on how to properly deal with a situation with a male victim as well. Most importantly, people must be vocal about the fact that domestic violence against men is a rampant issue. By creating these conversations men who are suffering from domestic violence may feel more comfortable and safe coming forward and confiding in friends and family.

If you are facing intimate partner violence in Alabama and are looking to seek legal help, look no further than Tim Fleming. Tim Fleming has 30 years of experience as an attorney. Tim has seen it all and will be able to help you achieve the legal result you seek. Call or contact Tim to get justice today.