Male victims, experiences with seeking help from domestic violence agencies over time and across western English-speaking countries
Background: Male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) represent a substantial but overlooked portion of IPV victims. Access to domestic violence (DV) services remains a challenge, particularly when agencies primarily serve female victims. This study examines male IPV victims’ experiences wi...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MRE Press
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Men's Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250730-584/pdf/JOMH2025032001.pdf |
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| Summary: | Background: Male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) represent a
substantial but overlooked portion of IPV victims. Access to domestic violence
(DV) services remains a challenge, particularly when agencies primarily serve
female victims. This study examines male IPV victims’ experiences with mainstream
and specialized DV agencies across four English-speaking regions: the United
States, Canada, the United Kingdom/Ireland, and Australia/New Zealand.
Methods: Two samples of male IPV victims from Western English-speaking
countries/regions were recruited: one consisting of self-identified male IPV
victims (n = 594) and the other of male IPV victims from crowdsourcing sample (n
= 1380). Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire, and among
other issues, reported on their help-seeking from DV agencies, specific
experiences with DV agencies, and perceived helpfulness of the DV agencies’
services. Results: Men from the victims sample were significantly more
likely to seek help compared to male IPV victims from the crowdsourcing sample.
Specialized DV agencies were rated as more helpful than mainstream agencies. USA
respondents reported the most positive experiences, while those from other
regions, particularly Canada and the UK/Ireland, reported negative encounters.
Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for improved, gender-inclusive
training and resources within mainstream DV agencies, as well as increased
support and expansion of specialized services for male IPV victims. Policymakers
and service providers must address the systematic gaps in support to ensure male
victims are recognized and effectively helped across all regions. |
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| ISSN: | 1875-6867 1875-6859 |