It may be something of a surprise to readers to find that it’s not just women who are victims of domestic violence. Statistics, however, show that men can often be the victims of domestic violence as well. With October marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Pennsylvania residents who are considering filing for domestic violence orders may wish to learn more about this important issue.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence indicates that approximately one-fourth of women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes. A staggering 85 percent of reported domestic violence cases feature women in the unfortunate role of victims. This might seem to indicate that incidents of such violence against men are rare, but the truth is more complicated. Many men who try and report domestic violence are viewed in a disbelieving light. All too often, they find themselves facing suspicion that they either initiated the violence or that they are being entirely untruthful.
The National Centers for Disease Control refutes the idea that domestic violence against men is a rare occurrence. It indicated in a report made a few years ago that 40 percent of domestic violence cases involved men as the victims. Additionally, half of all those domestic disturbance incidents involving violent weapons feature men in the role of victims. Statistics that reflect the actual amount of male victims are difficult to come by since men often fail to report domestic violence against them for a variety of reasons.
While violence against women should never be tolerated, neither should such abuse against men be allowed. It will take greater public awareness and education in order to decrease such episodes of male-oriented domestic violence. Pennsylvania residents — both male and female — who find themselves feeling threatened may want to consider filing for domestic violence orders. Such documents can help establish clear records of the violence done against them, not to mention making it easier for police to step in when a spouse becomes aggressive or even abusive.
Source: Joseph E. Cordell, “The Five Musts For Dealing With Domestic Violence In Your Divorce,” Joseph E. Cordell, Oct. 10, 2012