Domestic abuse is commonly perceived to be a predominantly female issue, where women are victimized at the hands of a male partner. However, the reality is that men can also be the victims of such violence, including domestic violence against men.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in seven men in the U.S., aged 18 and older have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.

Unfortunately, many of the cases of domestic violence remain unreported due to the stigma involved. Despite progress being made in this area, societal expectations and standards around masculinity often discourage men from speaking out due to fear of being seen as weak or even concerns about being taken seriously or believed by others.

If you have been falsely accused of domestic abuse against a partner, a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer may be able to provide you with the legal representation you need to clear your name. In this article, we will uncover some of the signs of domestic violence against men and offer guidance on how to safely address this issue.

Signs of Domestic Violence 

Contrary to popular opinion, domestic abuse encompasses more than just physical violence against a partner. The abuse can take many forms which include the following:

● Verbal abuse: This may involve yelling, name-calling, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation and other forms of verbal attack in public or in private. Verbal abuse can erode a man’s self-esteem and create feelings of unworthiness and shame, often contributing to the underreporting of domestic violence against men.
● Emotional abuse: This is often a form of psychological abuse and includes manipulative behavior, emotional blackmail, giving a partner the silent treatment, or making them doubt their own thoughts, memories and perceptions through ‘gaslighting’ behaviors.
● Controlling behavior: This form of abuse can restrict a man’s freedom and independence and may include limiting his financial choices and his ability to meet with friends and family, leading to social isolation. This may also involve constantly checking up on a man, wanting to know or tracking his whereabouts and even checking calls and messages on his phone. It may also include repeated and unjustified accusations of infidelity and other excessively jealous behaviors.
● Physical abuse: This entails direct or attempted assaults on a man’s body including, punching, slapping, shaking, choking, kicking or punching him. Physical abuse can also include throwing an object at a man or using a weapon against him.

Practical Guidance When Spotting Domestic Violence Against Men

If any of the behaviors outlined above are being exhibited towards a man in his relationship it is important that he take the following steps to safeguard his physical, emotional and mental well-being:

● Ask for help: Seek support from a trusted friend or family member and if possible, move to a location where you will be safe from harm.
● Record-keeping: By taking photographs of any injuries and documenting the times and dates of any domestic violence incidents you can build a strong case against your partner.
● Resist retaliation: Retaliation can lead to an escalation of violence and may also harm your case if you intend to press charges as it is not always clear who initiated the violence.

By paying attention to the signs mentioned, men can take the steps necessary to protect themselves against domestic violence against men. It’s crucial for men to recognize that they are not alone and that support is available. Men facing such challenges should feel encouraged to reach out for help without fear of judgment or disbelief.

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Society needs to continue promoting a broader understanding that domestic violence does not discriminate by gender — men are equally susceptible to abuse. This broader acknowledgment can help in reducing the stigma and encourage more men to come forward and seek the help they need to escape abusive situations and lead safe, healthy lives.