Generally speaking, we are more likely to hear about women who’ve experienced abuse as opposed to men. However, with June being men’s health month, I wanted to share and discuss some information about men and abuse.
According to Home Office statistical bulletins and the British Crime Survey, “in 2006-07 men made up 43.4% of all those who had suffered partner abuse in the previous year, which rose to 45.5% in 2007-08 but fell to 37.7% in 2008-09.” So if 40% of men experience domestic abuse, why don’t we hear about it more often? I mean, ManKind found that men are twice as likely as women to keep the abuse a secret, as well as not seek help.
ManKind provide a list of signs to look for (if you suspect abuse):
- She controls the money – all financial decisions will be made by her, and she’ll make you account for all the money you spend – right down to the penny.
- She sexually abuses you – she may guilt you into having sex with her (when you don’t want to) – she may sulk and even become aggressive.
- She emotionlly blackmails you – she may thearten to harm herself if you leave.
Now, I’ve written about this before (you can read it here), but men are put under pressure to maintain a certain physique – just like women are. It’s hard to imagine that it can be deemed “unmanly” for a man to speak up about his struggles with abuse. Now that’s not to say that’s the causation of men being less likely to speak up, but there’s definitely got to be a correlation.
Either way, whether you’re male or female, speaking up and seeking help over something you’re struggling with is far more important than fitting into these absurd “standards.”
Alex Newton is a nursing student and mental health advocate. She grew up in a small town and plans on moving to London, England one day and open up her own health practice. She has a cat named Maya who she adopted whilst going through some difficulties. She’s a daughter, sister, and warrior who enjoys a nice cuppa tea.
Defying Shadows 
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