The general perception of domestic violence is of a woman being beaten by a partner. However, there are actually a huge number of men who are assaulted by women that they are intimately involved with. While many of these assaults are relatively minor, there are several that are more serious, sometimes ending in murder. Due to lack of reporting, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of these incidences of domestic violence against men. This is most likely due to the stigma that men may feel as victims of domestic abuse. They may also feel that nobody will believe them or that they may be ridiculed. It seems that society finds it hard to comprehend the thought of domestic violence against men and has therefore been slow to accept it as a significant concern. Even if a woman hits a man in front of others, the man may hide the abuse by trying to justify it and by trying to interpret it as a sign of their masculinity. Researchers believe that there are many males who have experienced fear in violent relationships. These men are more likely to suffer from stress and depression than men in a non abusive relationship. Rationalizing psychological abuse such as humiliating or belittling is more difficult. This type of abuse can have a devastating effect and characterizes a relationship where the power rests unfairly with the abuser. Men who are regularly subjected to this form of abuse often believe that they deserve it and that they are worthless people. If this abuse is ongoing over a significant period of time, it is hard to turn it around. This is one of the main reasons people stay in abusive relationships. There is also the fact that they are often committed to the relationship and fear that leaving may result in their becoming estranged from their children. Because of the lack of recognition of this problem, it is hard for men to use abuse as a defense in court to get custody of the children. Also, mothers usually are awarded custody. Many abused men won’t leave the relationship because they fear leaving the children with an abusive woman. By staying, they think that they can at least safeguard the children if necessary. It is increasingly important that there is more research into the issue of psychological and emotional abuse against men. It is believed to happen in a large number of relationships and can result in depression, post traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, alcoholism, drug abuse, and self condemnation. It may also result in suicide. It is imperative for abuse victims, whether men or women, to know they don’t have to suffer in isolation and that there are many others going through a similar experience. It is also important that perpetrators of both sexes realize that all forms of abuse are legally and morally wrong. Anne has worked primarily within health and welfare for around 35 years. She has always loved to write and has a wide range of interests. She is the owner of http://www.ozehealthbiz.com.and http://www.ourkidzbiz.com
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