Battered Men are More Common than Typically Believed

Although fewer injuries are reported, battered men are almost as common as battered women. Unfortunately, because men are expected to be able to handle themselves against women, male victims of domestic violence often don’t get the respect and help that they need.

Without a doubt, injury is more likely to occur in a domestic violence situation when men are doing the hitting. But you may be surprised to learn that women are most often the instigators of domestic violence. In fact, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that when domestic violence is perpetrated by just one partner in the relationship (non-reciprocal violence) the woman was the perpetrator of violence 70% of the time. The study also showed that injury is most likely to occur when violence is reciprocal and perpetrated by both partners. This is probably because the violence escalates as each participant attempts to retaliate for the previous attack.

Why Don’t Battered Men Report Abuse?

Police reports and crime statistics show a prevalence of domestic violence against women by men. If domestic violence against men is just as common as domestic violence against women, as the CDC report suggests, why are there more reports of violence against women? It’s because men don’t often report being victimized by their wives and girlfriends.

There are a number of reasons why battered men don’t report abuse. First of all, injuries occur less often, so they often don’t think there’s anything to report. But largely it’s because men are ashamed of the abuse. All domestic violence victims have a reluctance to report abuse. Victims are often ashamed that it’s happening, or they fear retribution from the perpetrator. But men have an additional inhibition stemming from cultural prejudices. Men who are abused are often looked down on as being weak or “unmanly.” They are also less likely to be believed and therefore less likely to receive help. All of this creates an additional layer of shame and inhibition against reporting the abuse.

Get Help From An Attorney Focused On Men’s Rights And Domestic Violence Toward Men

The first form of help battered men need is to get the abuse to stop. An attorney, especially one who focuses on men’s rights, can help men report abuse and obtain restraining orders if necessary. If you need help with a domestic violence situation, look up your local men’s rights attorney. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation to help you determine whether an attorney can help with your situation. You have rights, and an attorney can help you protect them.