Men suffer domestic violence too
30/01/2007
Having read many articles regarding domestic violence one would think their are no male victims.
Many newspapers do not take male victims seriously, and perpetuate the myth that women are being attacked in every other home, with men as the main culprits for violent attacks. And continually quoting low inaccurate figures for men. I have some stats which may help your understanding of domestic violence and therefore stop it, i.e. not only is it wrong for a man to hit and mentally abuse a women but it is also wrong for women to hit a man and mentally abuse him.
Barry Gaynor
The Mature Times would also recommend a BBC website dedicated to Domestic Violence, with specific sections for men (see http://www.bbc.co.uk/relationships/domestic_violence/index.shtml).
They offer the following help and advice:
Men often feel as if they are the only man who has ever experienced domestic violence but they not alone. Although research shows that it is mainly women, this doesn't mean that men don't suffer too. It may be hard to admit to yourself and to others that this is happening, but it's not your fault and you can get help.
There are both similarities and differences in how men and women experience domestic violence. Some of the responses to violence from a partner are the same.
Whoever you are, being hurt by someone you love and trust can be devastating. You may feel bewildered and confused. You may wonder if it's your fault. You may feel too ashamed or embarrassed to tell anyone. If you do tell, you may find that you are not believed or that your abuse is trivialised. For all victims of abuse, the message is the same...
• You are not alone
• It is not your fault
• Help is available
There are also important differences, for example, men might feel like they are not 'real men' if they admit to being physically abused.
Men have exactly the same rights as women to be safe in their own homes. All statutory services (such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service, housing departments and social services) have a duty to provide services to all, whatever their gender.
Men are protected by exactly the same laws as women - anyone who has assaulted another person, regardless of the gender of either, can be prosecuted.
The full text of the British Crime Survey, which reports that roughly equal proportions (4.2%) of men an women report being physically assaulted by a partner is at: http://www.dewar4research.org/DOCS/dvg-v2.pdf.
For anyone affected by Domestic Violence, male or female, young or old, please remember the following advice:
In an emergency dial 999.
If you need confidential support, information or an emergency referral to temporary accommodation, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline, on 0808 2000 (free 24 hour service).
If you are concerned for the welfare of any child you can contact social services freephone helpline 0800 1111 or the NSPCC freephone helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Smaritans can be contacted through www.samaritans.org.uk and other useful sites are listed below: