Domestic violence topics usually bring up the picture of an abused woman and her children. Spousal abuse is never acceptable, whether you are a man or a woman. Unfortunately, many men are also victims of abuse, and they often lack the resources to help them out of an abusive situation. At the Mayer Law Office, LLC, we know it is vital for domestic violence victims in Wisconsin to be able to get help and safely escape a violent marriage, regardless of gender.
You might not think that domestic violence in men is very common. However, according to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, male victims may be more common than you would expect. The following statistics about male victims of spousal abuse have been reported:
- More than one in four men in the United States will be physically assaulted or stalked by a partner during their lifetime.
- About 4 percent of men have been physically injured by a spouse or partner.
- Almost half of men have been abused psychologically by their partners.
Some authorities believe domestic violence against men is more common than reported, since many men may feel too embarrassed to tell police they are being abused. They may also fear – with good cause – that they could be falsely accused of abusing their wives and be arrested for domestic violence instead. It can be difficult to get assistance if you are being abused by your spouse, not only due to the stigma, but because of the lack of programs and awareness for abuse against males. However, you have the right to seek help if you are being harmed by your spouse, as our page on protective orders and domestic violence explains.
