Domestic abuse is a serious issue. Not only does it impact the life of the victim, but it also impacts the lives of everyone related to the victim. However, while most help focuses on helping female victims, male victims often go overlooked by the system. It is primarily due to the fact that women are far more likely to suffer domestic abuse, but this can still leave many men without recourse and not knowing where to turn. Moreover, the stigma attached to male domestic abuse can prevent some men from seeking help. This article will discuss what domestic abuse entails and six things men can do if they fall victim.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
An intimate relationship is characterized by domestic abuse when one partner attempts to control, dominate, or abuse the other. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their situation. Moreover, according to some studies, there is a lower likelihood of males reporting abuse than females. The reasons for this are many, but one of them is that males are less likely to believe they are being abused or feel embarrassed to admit it. This can be due to the stigma attached to being a victim or finding it difficult to talk about their feelings.
Moreover, other studies have found that men who were abused by their wives or girlfriends were less likely to report it than males who other men abused. The reasons for this are varied and complex, but it ultimately boils down to a lack of safety and fear of retaliation from their abuser. So the question is, what can men do if they are victims of this insidious problem?
Obtain Legal Advice
Domestic abuse is one of the most common forms of violence, and yet, it is often overlooked or not taken seriously. In order to improve the quality of life for victims, it is vital that they know where to turn for help. There are many different types of domestic abuse, and each one has other legal remedies that the victim can seek. It is essential to seek advice from a lawyer if you are a victim of domestic abuse, as this could make all the difference in your case. However, when searching for a lawyer for domestic violence against men, you need to find one specializing in these cases. Some things to look for include:
- Flexible availability: Domestic violence can manifest itself in many ways, but the controlling aspect is constant. You will need a lawyer who is flexible with their availability as you might not always have the perfect opportunity to speak with them. This could be through instant messaging, email, and calls.
- Understanding: Because of the stigma attached to male intimate partner violence, it can seem daunting to speak to a lawyer. Therefore, any attorney you choose should be sympathetic to your situation in order to help you through it.
- Experience: Prior knowledge of domestic abuse is a must as it can often involve lengthy and complex legal proceedings. An experienced lawyer will have the contacts and expertise to get you through to the other end and come out on top.
Understand What Constitutes As Abuse
It is sometimes helpful to understand what kind of abuse you are experiencing in order to find the best course of action. It’s hard to escape from an abusive relationship without help or guidance. The first step towards getting out of an abusive relationship is recognizing that you’re in one, which isn’t always easy. There are many types of abuse you might suffer from, including:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Economic
- Emotional
In severe cases, you might experience a combination of abuses that can leave you feeling unable to proceed. By knowing where you stand, you can create a plan of action to note the events and confront your abuser.
Don’t Let Shame Hold You Back
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness about male victims of domestic abuse, but this does not mean that the problem has gone away. Men are still afraid to come forward and report their abusers because they are worried about being judged or ridiculed for what happened to them. The stigma of male domestic abuse is rooted in sexism, misogyny, and gender norms, leading to a lack of support from loved ones, employers, and law enforcement officials when men come forward with their stories of violence. However, you need to leave any feelings of shame and embarrassment at the door if you want to improve your situation.
Leave The Relationship If Possible
Although it’s not always easy, you should make an effort to leave your toxic relationship behind if possible. This step obviously becomes more challenging if you are married or have children. However, if you are sure your kids are safe, you should look out for yourself first. If you feel that your dependents could be in danger, you should contact the police immediately.
Open Up To Friends And Family
One of the most important things to do if you are in a situation where your partner is abusing you is to talk to someone about it., whether that be talking to a friend or family member. Many men who are victims of abuse tend to close up and shut out the world. However, this can be highly damaging and will only make matters worse over time. Instead, you should speak openly to your friends and family so that you can get things off your mind and have support when it’s needed. In most cases, they will be able to provide emotional support and guidance on what you can do next.
Get Together With Others Who Have Similar Experiences
Group therapy is a process where people gather together to share their thoughts and experiences to heal themselves. The group shares the same problem or issue, which helps them feel less isolated from the world. Victims of domestic abuse can talk about what they have gone through with other people who have experienced similar things. This provides a sense of relief and safety for them and helps them realize that they are not alone in this experience. Group therapy also allows victims to develop healthier coping mechanisms for when they are faced with difficult situations in the future.
By using the tips mentioned in this post, you should be able to find help and, hopefully, leave your abusive relationship. It always helps when you open up to others as they can often provide you with comfort and advice on the steps you need to take.
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