INVISIBLE VICTIM

Men can be victims too!!

Domestic violence against men is a serious issue. Domestic violence is well known to occur in relationships, but many people are unaware that men can also be victims. The fact is, on average, two men are killed each week by a current or ex-partner. It’s one of the issues which we generally ignore but this is rising day by day especially when it comes to public perception. Even though male victims make up between one-third and one-half of all domestic violence victims, it’s still a widely held belief that women are the only victims. 

Websites like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Domestic Violence Hotline often portray domestic violence against men as something rare or not as harmful. The facts say otherwise. One in three victims of domestic abuse is male. Throughout a lifetime, that’s one in three men. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates that between 10 and 14 million men have been victims of domestic violence in the US alone. However, many men are ashamed to come forward about the abuse or feel that people won’t believe them.

Domestic violence against men is a serious issue that occurs in both men and women. It is a violent and abusive relationship between a man and a woman. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence against men is often neglected and it is even considered a taboo subject. This is one of the reasons that men don’t seek help for domestic violence. They feel shame or guilt about what happened to them. However, men need to know that they are not alone and that other men have experienced the same thing. A silent epidemic is often used to describe it. It’s not as talked about or reported as violence against women, but domestic violence can occur to anyone. It’s not always obvious, but there are several aspects of domestic abuse. There are many forms of domestic abuse, and it is not just physical violence. Domestic violence against men can be just as detrimental as it is to women. 

If we want a society where it is safe for everyone to live, we should work towards preventing domestic violence against men. In a national survey, 3.3 percent of men said they had been victims of domestic violence. That is more than five times the rate of domestic violence against women.

Supporting shelters for male victims of domestic violence is one way to accomplish this. Although these shelters don’t receive as much funding as domestic violence shelters for women, they provide the same services. If we want a society where it is safe for everyone, we should support the services provided there and stop domestic violence against men.

It’s important to report domestic violence if you witness it. It’s one of the few things that can be done to help prevent domestic violence against men. Do not ignore the signs of domestic violence against men. They are equally important as women in this world, yet they are constantly being oppressed by more powerful world leaders and even their family members. Men have nowhere to run to seek help when being abused by their female counterparts. Many women have been able to get away with abuse and it’s time for a change. Men should be treated with respect and kindness as well.

By Avantika Shukla