Men often suffer in silence from domestic violence – 9&10 News

This topic sometimes gets overlooked because much of the awareness about domestic violence is centered around women. But men can also become victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence among men occurs more often than people think, in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

In men, it often presents differently than a direct blow to the face and may be more subtle. This can manifest itself in verbal abuse, mental and emotional abuse, and stalking. In extreme cases, physical violence and sexual violence.

Oasis Family Resource Center director Mandy Sikkema said men faced different barriers than women when trying to come forward.

“One in six men suffers from domestic violence,” Sikkema said. “The stigma of someone coming to our agency and claiming to be a survivor is a stigma in our community that we create ourselves. Because the idea is that you’re a man, you should just deal with it, you should be able to put her in her place or tell her no, and that should be enough.”

Sikkema said that as our world evolves and more women occupy higher positions, the power and control dynamics that prevail among breadwinners can sometimes lead to abuse.

Nationally, there are fewer resources for men who need help. However, the Oasis Family Resource Center offers assistance to men who are victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, please follow the links below.

Family Resource Center Oasis

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