How Are Domestic Violence Cases Against Men Handled?

When people talk or think about domestic violence, they usually imagine a distressed woman who has been mistreated by her husband or boyfriend. However, you would be surprised to know that women are not the only victims of domestic violence. According to statistics, cases of domestic violence are seen among every classification of people in the United States. Whether rich or poor, old or young, people in a homosexual or heterosexual relationship, citizens or immigrants, anyone could be a victim of domestic violence. Similarly, both men and women can be victims of domestic violence.

Based on statistics, women are definitely victimized at a much higher rate than men. However, this does not rule out the fact that men are also victims of domestic violence and abuse. Studies carried out nationally by multiple organizations confirm that the rate of domestic violence among women is recorded at 84%, the remaining being men. According to reports given by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, approximately 835,000 men are physically abused by an intimate partner each year. The report also stated that ever minute, 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partner in the United States, whether male or female. This results in a very high number of people being victimized each year, which is recorded at about 10 million cases. Moreover, one in four men, and one in three women become victims of some type of physical violence by their romantic partner at some point in their life, whereas cases of severe physical violence are recorded at one in seven men and one in five women.

The problems associated with domestic violence cases are almost the same in the case of men or women. Some of the most common problem associated in domestic violence cases is stalking. Rape is another common problem, and one in 71 men have reported of being raped by someone close in their life. In 29% of these cases, the rape was committed by a partner who they have been in an intimate relationship with.

Many Male Domestic Violence Cases Go Unreported

When it comes to cases of domestic violence, women are 7 – 14 times more likely to report an incident of domestic violence as compared to men. The problem with male victims reporting cases of domestic violence has to do with the stereotypes regarding men and women. Men are expected to be dominating, stronger and powerful. When a man reported being a victim of domestic violence, it does not go with the stereotype associated with men. Similarly, men think that they will handle the matter on their own and they don’t report it. Therefore, most domestic violence cases are reported by women.

Moreover, men reporting domestic violence are not taken seriously by the local law enforcement. Therefore, it is advised that victims of domestic violence and abuse contact a qualified attorney who can represent them in a domestic violence case. The attorney can also help them seek protection in case of domestic violence.