I am looking for a study that shows that men are victims of domestic violence as well as women. I plan to use this in court so I am looking for something that will have a high degree of credit such as a government study. Do you know of something I can use that would substantiate the fact that man are victims of domestic violence also?

Steve Cloer Fathers Are Parents Too (FAPT) Norcross, GA. sacs1@mindspring.com

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2002

Answers

Hi, Steve. Your local Police and Social Services would likely be a good source for statistics. At the very least, they should be able to point you in the right direction if they don't have the statistics you need. These days, it seems that an epidemic is occurring with spousal abuse with the women as the abuser. Because of the stigma attached to admitting that you are an abused male, many feel too threatened by ridicule to report it. That is unfortunate, as many women are aware of this, and will take advantage of the fact that men are less likely to report spousal abuse than women. Also, the police are still more inclined to believe the female, since the male is presumed to be the stronger one. I would like to know how they define strong as being aggressive myself. Men are stronger when they DON"T respond in kind. I am on an advisory committee for Men who are violent towards women, and have been fighting (unsuccessfully) Social Services and Mental Health to create a group for women who are violent towards their partners. It seems that society is not yet willing to accept that women are far more violent these days. I wish you the very best in your endeavor. Even the Justice Department may be able to assist you. I don't know how your local Gov't works, but they could also be of assistance. You just need to keep pushing. Your persistence may make a difference in men's lives. I wish you peace...Judy

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2002

I am also studying the fact that men are also victims of domestic violence aswell as women as part of my A-Level Sociology studies, so any relevent information, could you please forward it onto me at the above address. Thanks, Kate

-- Anonymous, July 02, 2003