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Approximately 1 in 3 men report experiencing at least one form of intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetimes, according to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Although on average, women tend to be impacted more by IPV in comparison to men, it is critical to acknowledge that IPV perpetration and victimization is not gendered. It is also important to acknowledge that men can be greatly impacted, with consequences including PTSD, depression, suicidal behaviors, other mental health problems, physical health problems, physical injuries, and even death. IPV can affect anyone, regardless of their gender or the gender of their partner.
For Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October), Denise Hines, an expert on male survivors of intimate partner violence, highlights why male survivors’ stories are rarely heard in conversations about IPV.
“Male survivors face several unique challenges when navigating how to get help,” Hines says. “Many can’t get the help they need or simply don’t reach out because of various cultural and social factors working against them.”
An overwhelming number of resources available to survivors are specifically catered toward women, which can alienate men seeking help. Men are also socialized to not express their emotions and are often shamed for speaking up about their abuse because of the widespread belief that men can’t be survivors of abuse, especially in a heterosexual relationship. Since reports of abuse from male survivors are infrequent, it is especially challenging to conduct research on this population. The current research indicates that male survivors of IPV experience similar rates of physical and mental health problems from their abuse as female survivors.
If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, know that you aren’t alone, and help is always available. Call the National Domestic Violence Support Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “Start” to 88788 to speak to a trained advocate.
You can find some resources specifically for men here.
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Denise Hines, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work, College of Public Health, at George Mason University. She is one of the world’s leading experts on male victims of domestic violence and false allegations against them. Hines’ expertise includes the causes, consequences, and prevention of family violence and sexual assault, with a particular focus on under-recognized victims of violence. As the former director of the Massachusetts Family Impact Seminars, she also has a specialization in translating university-based research for policymakers.
Dr. Hines is the author of over 70 peer-reviewed articles and two books on issues of family violence, one of which – Family Violence in the United States – was released by Sage in its third edition in 2021. She and her colleagues are currently working on an international handbook entitled, Handbook of Men’s Victimization in Intimate Relationships, under contract with Taylor and Francis. She has spoken about her work in front of various audiences, including state coalitions against domestic violence, the Massachusetts State legislature, the White House domestic policy staff, staff of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Canadian Parliament.
To speak with Dr. Hines, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.
About Mason
George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research university, enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia combining public health transdisciplinary research, education, and practice in the Commonwealth as a national exemplar. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including six undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, and six professional certificate programs. The College is comprised of the School of Nursing and the Departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work.