Advocating for Gender-Sensitive Approaches to Practice and Research with Male Survivors of Partner Abuse

Background and Purpose: There is a growing concern over gender disparities in mental health help-seeking in the United States (Addis & Mahalik, 2003; Cheung, Leung, & Tsui, 2009; Tsui, 2014). Research shows that when men are victims of intimate partner abuse (IPA), they tend not to seek help or report the incidents of abuse (Hines & Malley-Morrison, 2001; RADAR, 2010). Despite the alarming statistics of men experiencing physical and sexual assault (e.g., Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000), scant attention is given in gender research to explain why men do or do not seek help in IPA. Using a gender-sensitive approach (Hamel, 2007; 2008), this study aims to identify factors that hinder and facilitate help-seeking for IPA male victims and explore their abuse experience and struggles in the help-seeking process.

Methods: A mixed-method exploratory study with a nationwide cross-sectional sample of 209 male victims/survivors was conducted in the U.S. With convenience and snowball sampling methods, this study used an anonymous self-administered online survey to collect responses. Inclusion criteria are male victims/survivors who are aged 18 or above, living in the U.S., and have had personal experiences in IPA. 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 regression analyses. Themes derived from qualitative analysis are used to understand abused men’s help-seeking experience and interpret 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 study suggests that male victims face many interpersonal and societal obstacles. It is imperative that service providers/practitioners understand their perception, cultural norms, and preference for anonymity in service provisions. The study yields important insights for developing gender-sensitive intervention strategies and culturally sensitive practice and research with IPA male survivors.