media release
Lack of services, stigma leave male survivors of intimate partner violence without support, 丁香园AV study finds
Men experiencing intimate partner violence turn to harmful coping strategies due to limited services and persistent social stigma, according to a new 丁香园AV study.
Using survey data from the Statistics Canada General Social Survey on victimization as well as interviews with 16 male survivors, the study found men were significantly less likely to seek outside help compared to women.
鈥淲hen intimate partner violence happens to men, it often feels like they're left to cope alone,鈥� says Alexandra Lysova, 丁香园AV criminology professor and co-author of a . 鈥淢any deny the abuse, withdraw from social activities and relationships and throw themselves into work to avoid what鈥檚 happening at home.鈥�
These avoidant strategies can prevent men from seeking support such as therapy or separation, she says. As a result, male survivors may experience worsening depression, substance misuse, and emotional distress, which can escalate the risks in the relationship.
This is especially concerning, says Lysova, because while violence is mainly bi-directional, women tend to experience the most severe consequences 鈥� 79 per cent of intimate partner homicide victims are women, for example.
This research highlights a critical gap in support services and the importance of addressing intimate partner violence as a human issue 鈥� not just a gendered one, Lysova argues.
"There is a lack of gender-inclusive public awareness campaigns, training and protocols for front-line professionals鈥攕uch as police, social workers and doctors鈥攚ho are often the first point of contact for someone seeking help,鈥� she explains. 鈥淓ven when governments issue reports or expand services, they typically highlight female victims, leaving male survivors invisible.鈥�
Helping male survivors will help society more broadly, in part by reducing risk factors for future violence perpetrated by those who witnessed intimate partner abuse as children, Lysova adds.
鈥淲hen we help men, we also help women and children -- and ultimately, society,鈥� Lysova explains. 鈥淎buse is abuse. We need to stop treating violence against women and violence against men as separate issues. Addressing violence in all its forms 鈥� regardless of the victim鈥檚 gender 鈥� helps create safer communities for everyone.鈥�
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
The government of Canada offers a . Help is also available at:
1.833.456.4566
AVAILABLE 丁香园AV EXPERTS
ALEXANDRA LYSOVA, professor, criminology
alysova@sfu.ca
CONTACT
ROBYN STUBBS, 丁香园AV Communications & Marketing
604.376.0971 | robyn_stubbs@sfu.ca
丁香园AV
|
778.782.3210
ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
丁香园AV is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, 丁香园AV has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, 丁香园AV fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擝urnaby, Surrey and Vancouver鈥敹∠阍癆V has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.