The Invisible Victims of Domestic Violence

When dealing with domestic violence,  majority of the time the victims are women. However it is surprising to many people that men,  gays and lesbians can be victims of domestic violence too. Now one may think how a strong masculine male can be subjected to domestic violence. Or even a woman  being abused by another woman. Although it is rare, and there is little research done about male and gay and lesbian victims, it is definitely possible. Battered men, gays and lesbians are considered to be the hidden or invisible side of domestic violence.

Men are far less likely to report being abused by their intimate partner because it is very embarrassing to them. Because they are pressured to put on that tough guise, they hold back from reporting the abuse because of the fear of being humiliated by society. There also is a belief that they will not be believed. Many victims end up experiencing extreme stress, isolation and depression because they have no one to turn to. According to the article “Masculinity of Men Communicating Abuse Victimization” by Jessica J. Eckstein, it is mentioned that every year there are 3.2 million men in the United States that are victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). With this evidence being prevalent, these victims are not treated  like normal victims due to society views of what masculinity should be. Male victims are encouraged to keep silence about their victimization. They are told to suppress their feelings and act as if they don’t care. Like the various types of abuse that is present in female intimate partner violence, the cycle of violence is prevalent with the male population (p. 3). Abuse such as physical abuse involving hitting, kicking, biting, and throwing things. Emotional abuse, which involves name calling and the use  of degrading language toward the victim. Psychological abuse which includes using threats and making them isolate themselves from people. Financial abuse is also present within this cycle of violence, as the abuser restrains the victim from working or holding any type of money. Last but not least, male victims experience spiritual abuse as  the abuser uses the victim’s religious beliefs as a way to manipulate them. In the article “Male Victims of Violence” by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, it is stated that “16% of adult men who reported being raped and/or physically assaulted were assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabitating partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or date”. This evidence illustrates the significance in the amount of males being victimized by their partners (p.1). Another topic that is even less talked about is IPV against gay and lesbian victims.

Gays and lesbians  are even less likely than heterosexual males to report IPV within their relationship. The effects of domestic violence that occurs within a gay or lesbian relationship, is exactly like a heterosexual relationship. The cycle of violence occurs and dramatically affects the victim. However, despite the numerous resources that are available for heterosexuals, there are limited programs that are geared to help gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence. According to Michael J. Brown and Jennifer Groscup, in their article “Perceptions of Same-sex Domestic Violence Among Crisis Center Staff” it is stated that “the sexual orientation of the parties involved can influence other aspects of the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence.” There are many biases that occur within law enforcement that prevent these victims  from receiving the proper care and protection that is needed.  But this homophobia doesn’t only direct towards the criminal justice system, but also for the mental health professions as well. Many health professionals don’t agree with homosexuality, so their biases are affected by the care that they provide their clients. Many health providers often feel uncomfortable with dealing with gay and lesbian victims because of their homophobia, thus limiting the proper care that may be needed to help the victim (p. 87-88). This poses a great deal of concern because everyone, no matter what sexual orientation, should be able to receive equal care and protections as heterosexuals do.

It is especially clear that there should be more research done on the effects of domestic violence on heterosexual males and gay and lesbian victims. The amount of bias and myths surrounding  these victims have prevented them from receiving the help that they need as human beings. Until these stereotypes and biases are suppressed, there will not be any proper care for these invisible victims.

1.      Brown, Michael & Groscup, Jennifer. (2008). Perceptions of Same-sex Domestic

Violence Among Crisis Center Staff. Springer Sciences. 24:87–93

2.      Eckstein, Jessica. (2010). Masculinity of Men Communicating Abuse Victimization.

 Culture, Society, and Masculinities. p. 1-12.

3.      National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2011). Male Victims of Violence