October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and domestic-violence advocates and the media’s attention was focused on bringing more public understanding to and promoting the eradication of men’s violence against women. However, not all intimate partner violence (IPV) fits into this neat little package.

IPV against men, especially against men by their female intimate partners, has always been a hot button issue. The mere mention of male victims in a gathering of traditional domestic violence advocates creates great controversy. While domestic violence advocates may know men are victims, they insist that their victims-service agencies (more than 2,000 of them in the U.S.) should focus exclusively on ending violence against women by men because women are the most injured and prevalent victims. As a result, serious outreach and services for the male victims of IPV are sorely lacking.

Studies indicate that men are victims of assault by their partners in 25 percent of the reported cases in the U.S. each year. The disparity between the needs of those victims and the services available is large. The gap must be closed and that can only be done through education, services and advocacy.

While resources for men are still scarce, awareness is increasing and hopefully more services will follow. IPV is not a gender issue; it is a human issue. The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women envisions a world where services are available to victims and survivors without prejudice. Call 1-888-7HELPLINE (1-888-743-5754), or visit www.dahmw.org.

Mary Browning

Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women

Jacksonville

Read more: Anniston Star - Not just a gender issue