Why Men Don’t Report Abuse
Statistically, the numbers are low for domestic violence against men because men are less likely to report any abuse to the authorities, an organization, or even their best friend. Men are taught from the time they are young boys that they are stronger than all women, that they shouldn’t whine or cry when things aren't going well for them, and that any man who is “beat up” by a woman is a wimp. So why does it surprise the world to hear that men are less likely to report being abused by a female counterpart. The general public reaction to the abused man is almost always negative, even if the woman is in better physical shape than the man being abused. According to Oregoncounseling.org, nearly 40 percent of the domestic abuse cases are against men. Yet, we still picture the victimized woman when we hear the phrase “domestic abuse.”
Men who Report Being Abused
On October 8, 2009, the Sunday Gazette-Mail (wvgazette.com) reported from the Associated Press that a West Virginian circuit judge “voided (their) regulations for domestic-violence programs, saying they discriminate by denying abused men access to publicly funded shelters and female abusers access to treatment.” This is a big step in the right direction. In California, the Department of Justice data for 2004 shows that almost 20 percent of all arrests for domestic violence were women. Governor Schwarzenegger has expressed that he believes that all victims of domestic violence, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, should be treated equally under the law by having the same safeguards and protections (Reforming California Domestic Violence Policy: Health and Safety Code: 124250).
Who Starts the Violence
In a 12-month study conducted at the University of New Hampshire, results show that in almost every case of abuse, both partners were both instigator and victim at varying times. This study included 13,601 university students and was part of the International Dating Violence Study in 32 nations. Although the study showed that both partners instigating the violence was the most common of all scenarios, it did find that in situations where only one partner was being victimized, women were in more danger than men. (Murray A. Straus, Family Research Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824 http://pubpages.unh.edu/~mas2/detailed-research-design.htm )
Victims of domestic violence should be treated equally under the law regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. It is important to remember that homosexual couples can experience domestic violence as well. So, from now on, when you think about domestic violence, advocate for all of the victims' rights.
Daphne Matthews - Author
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