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Male domestic abuse survivors face significant barriers to accessing support
Men who experience domestic violence and abuse face significant barriers to accessing vital help and support, a new study has revealed.
Researchers at the University of Bristol say services need to be more inclusive and tailored to effectively address the needs of all genders, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to address failings revealed in the report.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, examined the barriers preventing men in abusive relationships from seeking help and how services could be improved.
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Fear of not being believed, or being accused as the perpetrator, shame, embarrassment and lack of specialist services are just some of the obstacles faced by male victims, according to the study.
Gene Feder says services should be more inclusive
Gene Feder, a GP, professor of primary care and co-author, said: “While both men and women are reluctant to seek professional help for their abuse, there is an added barrier for men voiced in these studies, that they may be falsely accused of being the perpetrator. The men also raised wider concerns about masculinity.
“We recommend that services are more inclusive and tailored to more effectively address the needs of all genders, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“They should offer ongoing support and be widely advertised. In addition, specialised training is needed to address the specific needs of men and to foster greater levels of trust.
“Domestic violence can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing, so we would encourage anyone experiencing abuse from an intimate partner to seek help from their GP who will be able to refer or signpost to specialist services for ongoing help and support.”
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Gender and Violence Research, was published in BMJ Open on Wednesday.
Authors analysed interview-based studies of men in heterosexual and same-sex relationships and organised findings into themes.
The study found that men were often either not aware of specialist support services, or felt they were not appropriate for male victims of abuse. When survivors did seek help, they did so usually when their situation had reached a crisis point.
Men also worried about the welfare of their partner, damaging their relationship or losing contact with their children if they opened up to someone outside their personal network of family and friends.
Others lacked the confidence to seek help as a result of the abuse.
Alyson Huntley says the experience of male survivors of domestic abuse is similar to that of women
Dr Alyson Huntley, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Academic Primary Care and lead author of the study, said: “Our review has revealed that the experience of many men who are victims of domestic abuse is similar to those of women.
“For example, fear of disclosure, shame and lowered confidence. Like women, although male victims wanted the violence to stop, they did not necessarily want to end the relationship. Men expressed concern about losing contact with their children and this is a major theme in the wider domestic violence literature.”
Help and support for people who have experienced domestic abuse or violence:
Men’s Advice Line: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm: 0808 801 0327
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
National Domestic Violence 24-hour Helpline for women experiencing abuse: 0808 2000 247
For more information about Bristol-based services, visit: www.bava.org.uk
Read more: Breaking the cycle
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