Male Victims

Sadly, getting help for male victims of abuse can be very difficult for many reasons, including limited funding available and limited services focused on men. There are also certain gender stereotypes that can affect whether men reach out for services or support and, also, how they are treated when they do. We have more information about this in What are gender stereotypes and what does it have to do with domestic violence?

Male victims can experience disbelief, insensitivity, ridicule, or even hostility in response to a claim of victimization from a female partner in particular. In a study published in 2020, some men reported being under-acknowledged, mistreated, and penalized for seeking help, which can stop them from seeking support and could put them and their children at additional risk. Victims can also struggle with the stigma associated with being a male victim of domestic violence.¹ Consequently, men tend to minimize, conceal, or deny the abuse in an attempt to avoid the social stigma related to the perceived inability to protect themselves.²

If you are being abused, please consider reaching out for help and support in your community. We also list additional resources in Where can I receive help and support? 

¹ Machado, A., Hines, D., Douglas, E., Male Victims of Female-Perpetrated Partner Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of Men’s Experiences, the Impact of Violence, and Perceptions of Their Worth (2020).
² Patrick, W., Why Men Who are Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Report (2020).