Men Are Victims Too

It is rather unfortunate and prejudiced that the narrative concerning spousal abuse, or intimate partner violence always seems to come from the reference point that men are the abusers. While statistics indicate that more women are victims of domestic abuse; the society should acknowledge that men, too, are victims of domestic violence. The fact that spousal abuse continues to be viewed through gender- specific lenses instead of gender- neutral lenses is problematic. Whereas there are numerous avenues for women who are in abusive relationship, the avenues for men to receive support are limited. Given that there are many non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) that give both practical and psycho-social support for women in abusive relationships; the same cannot be said about men. It is commendable that the government has established a number of shelters across the island for women who have emerged from abusive relationships and who require short term living accommodation, yet there are no government shelters for men who might also require this same level of government support on a short term basis. Once again, the assumption used to guide such policies is limited in the scope and reach. Many men are in abusive relationships and do not know where to turn for help. We live in a hyper-masculine society where men are ridiculed for stating that they are victims of domestic violence. Understanding Violence Against Men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 10 men in the United States of America experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported some form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)-related impact. Commonly reported IPV-related impacts among male victims were fear, concern for safety, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. The CDC adds 1 in 3 men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Nearly 56% of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before the age of 25. Unfortunately, the statistics for Jamaica is not known. Abuse is rooted in mental control and manipulation. Intimate Partner Violence is in fact an epidemic. Victims are often financially dependent, and the possibility of homelessness is real. Men, too, require safe spaces to process their thoughts and ideas while they emerge from such unhealthy, toxic situations. The time has come for us as a society to be fair regarding how resources and support are allocated. Undoubtedly, there needs to be a broader and more inclusive approach regarding how we treat domestic violence in the society. It ought not to be that men’s issues are an afterthought. We need to critically interrogate the issue at hand and craft specific policies and establish practical solutions which are geared at addressing the needs of men who are in abusive relationships. Gender and development should never be viewed through a one size fit all criterion. Gender equality should be an inclusive and practical concept. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #genderequality #intimatepartnerviolence #domesticviolence