From made for television movies on the Lifetime and O networks to the self-defense and women’s studies classes offered on college campuses, one might think that the only victims of domestic violence are women. However, men can also be victims of domestic violence. One in nine men experiences severe domestic abuse by an intimate partner. Both hetero and homosexual men experience abuse and they often do not come forward because they are ashamed to admit what is going on at home.

Domestic Violence Statistics

Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life. People from all socioeconomic classes may experience abuse from a partner. Although it is more common for women between the ages of 18 to 24 to be victims of such violence, 1 in 25 men is injured by a domestic partner annually. Approximately 1 in 20 male homicide victims are killed by a domestic partner annually and 72 percent of all murder-suicides are committed by a domestic partner.

Many people who are the victims of domestic violence suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. Most victims, both male and female never get treatment for their injuries. Ashamed to show up to work with battered faces, many victims end up missing work because of violence at home. Hence, job and wage loss are common amongst victims of such abuse.

About 1 in 10 men will be raped or sexually abused in their lifetime. In addition, a lot of men experience mental abuse. They often experience partners who insist on keeping track of their every move, they may have cell phones and car keys taken away from them or even find themselves isolated from family and friends. Men who are in same-sex relationships, but are not comfortable telling people about their orientation may be blackmailed by their partner.

How to Protect Yourself

If you are a man who is in an abusive relationship, the first thing you should do is talk to someone about the problem. If you have a trusted friend or family member, you may want to tell them about your situation. If you are not comfortable talking to anyone in your life, you can talk to a counselor or call a crisis line.

It is always a good idea to get out of the relationship if at all possible. You can call the police and they can help you find a safe space to stay. You should also get any evidence you can of the abuse. Be sure to take pictures of any bruises or injuries that you have acquired. You can also use your cell phone to videotape or record your partner. Always call the police and do not take matters into your own hands. If you fight back, you may be the one who goes to jail. If you are in this situation and you have been charged with domestic violence when you are actually the victim, you will need a trained domestic violence law firm, such as The Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC. They can work with you to clearly establish who actually instigated domestic violence.

Resources for Male Victims of Domestic Violence

Fortunately, there are several different resources for male domestic violence victims in the state of California. Anyone, male or female can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. If you are homosexual, you can also call the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project.

*Authoritative Sources:

https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/domestic_violence2.pdf

https://www.cpedv.org/domestic-violence-organizations-california