Monday, May 2, 2011

What if it was your grandfather, father, brother or best friend?

Two recent studies, one by Randle and Graham and the other by Hines and Douglas, found that male victims were just as likely to suffer from PTSD, depression and suicide ideation as female victims of domestic abuse. In addition, psychological abuse was just as strongly associated with PTSD as was physical violence in these male victims. One researcher noted that these findings raise questions and concerns for male victims of domestic violence, given that women are more likely to perpetrate psychological than physical aggression toward male partners. This research supports what I have learned from male victims on our crisis line. Abused men have reported that they can deal with their female intimate partner's physical abuse of them, which usually amounts to throwing household objects and/or slapping, kicking, pushing or punching their victims. The men I have spoken to who, more often, mention being fearful are the ones who have been stabbed, shot at and run over with a vehicle by their intimate partners. However, just about all abused men talk about how much the emotional and psychological abuse that their intimate partners use effects them. So why should there suffering be afforded any less understanding and support that a female victims suffering? In 2010 over 6,800 victims, concerned family members, friends and others called our toll free helpline seeking support, information, shelter, legal aid and other victim services. As many of you know our agency is the only national nonprofit with helpline advocates specially trained to worked with male victims of intimate partner abuse. With an annual revenue of less than $15K and no federal or state funding we depend on the generosity of our volunteers and private contributors so that we may continue this vital and important work. Please consider making a donation through paypal at our website of $10 or more to help us bring more awareness and services to victims of partner violence and their families. If you are a member of facebook please join our cause page and help us receive funds from facebook by clicking on the "give a minute" button on our cause site. There is no cost or obligation to you for clicking on this button. We will receive $ .25 or more from facebook for each person who gives a few minutes of their time to do this. Thanks for your support!