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Domestic Violence Against Men
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Assault occurs when an individual intentionally threatens another person with violence, placing the victim in fear of an imminent attack. A person commits battery when they actually commit the violent act. Domestic violence statute incorporates both assault and battery, along with other offenses, such as stalking, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.
Although the majority of domestic violence victims in the United States are women, men can – and do – suffer domestic violence. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 13 percent of those who called the hotline in 2013 were male.
Men Are Less Likely to Report Abuse
Statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in seven men in the country over the age of 18 has experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Sadly, these numbers are probably much higher, as men are far less likely than women to report domestic violence or seek help when they experience it.
Men Are Less Likely to Report Abuse
Statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in seven men in the country over the age of 18 has experienced physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Sadly, these numbers are probably much higher, as men are far less likely than women to report domestic violence or seek help when they experience it.
In the most devastating cases, police a domestic violence complaint automatically arrest the male partner, assuming he is responsible for the dispute. Tragically, this makes a male domestic violence sufferer a victim twice: once at the hands of his partner, and again at the hands of police who are supposed to protect him from violence.
Furthermore, police are not the only ones who assume a man is always to blame for a domestic dispute. On the popular ABC News television show What Would You Do?, members of the public recorded via hidden camera laughed when a woman struck her male partner in public. Disturbingly, some observers even appeared to cheer the woman on as she struck the man and screamed at him on a public street. When the roles were reversed, with a man publicly striking and berating a woman, people were visibly horrified, and many passersby attempted to intervene.
Signs of Intimate Partner Violence
Men are less likely than women to report abuse, but they may also be less likely to recognize it is happening to them. The Mayo Clinic reports that domestic violence – also known as "intimate partner violence" – against men may start small. In the beginning, an abusive partner may push or threaten the victim. In a heated argument, when emotions are running high, the aggressor may shove the victim away or launch verbal attacks.
Over time, however, these behaviors can escalate, leading to more serious violence, such as:
- Name-calling
- Controlling behavior
- Forced isolation from friends and family
- Jealous and possessive behavior
- Forced intercourse
- Threats
- Slaps, hitting, punching, choking
As with any violent relationship, the aggressor may exhibit signs of extremely controlling behavior. Many times, an abusive partner attempts to control nearly every aspect of the victim's life, such as what he wears, whom he sees, what he eats, and how much money he spends.
These signs of abuse may be more difficult to recognize when the victim is a man, as men are usually socialized to view themselves as providers and protectors. Nevertheless, they may fall victim to a controlling spouse or intimate partner who uses verbal or physical threats and intimidation to direct how he lives his life.
Help is Available
Although many domestic violence resources are directed toward women, there is also help available for men. The National Domestic Violence Hotline includes links to resources for men on its website.
If you are a man suffering domestic violence in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, it is important to get help right away. If you have been arrested for domestic violence, and you are the victim, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you defend your rights.
Signs of Intimate Partner Violence
Men are less likely than women to report abuse, but they may also be less likely to recognize it is happening to them. The Mayo Clinic reports that domestic violence – also known as "intimate partner violence" – against men may start small. In the beginning, an abusive partner may push or threaten the victim. In a heated argument, when emotions are running high, the aggressor may shove the victim away or launch verbal attacks.
Over time, however, these behaviors can escalate, leading to more serious violence, such as:
- Name-calling
- Controlling behavior
- Forced isolation from friends and family
- Jealous and possessive behavior
- Forced intercourse
- Threats
- Slaps, hitting, punching, choking
As with any violent relationship, the aggressor may exhibit signs of extremely controlling behavior. Many times, an abusive partner attempts to control nearly every aspect of the victim's life, such as what he wears, whom he sees, what he eats, and how much money he spends.
These signs of abuse may be more difficult to recognize when the victim is a man, as men are usually socialized to view themselves as providers and protectors. Nevertheless, they may fall victim to a controlling spouse or intimate partner who uses verbal or physical threats and intimidation to direct how he lives his life.
Help is Available
Although many domestic violence resources are directed toward women, there is also help available for men. The National Domestic Violence Hotline includes links to resources for men on its website.
If you are a man suffering domestic violence in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, it is important to get help right away. If you have been arrested for domestic violence, and you are the victim, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you defend your rights.