Reframing the Help-Seeking Experience of Male Survivors in Intimate Partner Abuse
Methods: The study used an anonymous online survey to solicit input from 221 male IPA victims/survivors. Non-probability sampling techniques with a combination of convenience, purposive and snowball sampling methods were adopted to recruit a nationwide cross-sectional sample of adult males who have had personal experience in IPA in the U.S. Subjects are identified and recruited through an email sent to organizations with a focus on IPA or family relations. Quantitative data are analyzed by descriptive statistics, and themes derived from qualitative findings are used to understand abused men’s help-seeking experience and assist in interpreting the quantitative data.
Results: Among the respondents, most were White (163, 74%) and their mean age was 43. Two-thirds (144) had used social services, of which counseling services (66%, 146) and legal service (48%, 106) were most popular. Regarding sources for assistance, most preferred informal helpers including friends (79%, 173), the internet (78%, 172), and family (76%, 167). On a 5-point scale, the respondents perceived informal helpers as more helpful (average=3.4) than formal helpers (2.6). Results revealed three groups of individuals used more formal services than their counterparts: 1) individuals experiencing abuse in the past [t(218)=2.63, p=.009, Cohen’s d=0.36]; 2) individuals who are not employed full-time [t(218)=2.46, p=.015, Cohen’s d=.34]; and 3) individuals who are divorced [t(218)=2.36, p=.019, Cohen’s d=0.33].
Qualitative findings from 68 respondents found five contextual and three personal barriers to help-seeking. The contextual factors include social stigma and isolation, distrust of law enforcement and legal system, lack of service availability and accessibility, low levels of helpfulness among social services and helpers, and unaffordability of professional services. The personal barriers comprise shame and embarrassment, lack of knowledge and awareness of IPA, and fear. Based on the respondents’ input, a composite audiotaped narrative will be used to present the voices of abused men who want to receive a gender-sensitive attitude from social service personnel.
Conclusions and Implications: Empirical evidence from this mixed-method study suggests that male victims face many interpersonal and societal obstacles. Abused men do not feel comfortable requesting services because men are often portrayed as perpetrators in domestic violence and perceive seeking/accepting help as vulnerable and weak. It is imperative that service providers/practitioners understand their perception, cultural norms, and preference for anonymity in service provisions. Reframing help-seeking in a culturally sensitive way is highly recommended. The study yields important insights for developing gender-sensitive intervention strategies and culturally competent practice with IPA male survivors.