Male Victims

Men can experience the same types and tactics of abuse as people of all genders do, such as stalking, harassment, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. However, the way men face or perceive abuse can be different. For example, men may believe that physical abuse is not an effective control tactic because they still feel powerful and physically able to stop the abuse. 

Psychological abuse, which is one of the most common forms of domestic violence experienced by men, usually targets a man’s masculinity. Men are usually accused of not being “manly” enough, not making enough money, being weak, or crying when abused. The critical literature review reports that while most men may not fear physical violence, they may fear the degradation and humiliation that comes from psychological abuse, especially in public.¹

If you believe you are being abused by your partner, you may want to look at the Danger Assessment and Signs of Abuse sections in our Am I Being Abused? page. This information could help you identify abusive behaviors that are part of a pattern of behavior intended to maintain power and control over you.

¹ Scott-Storey, K., et al., What About Men? A Critical Review of Men’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence- Trauma, Violence & Abuse (2022).