  |
|
|
|
Emotional & Physical Husband AbuseHow Domestic Violence Affects a Man’s Health & Self-Image
It's a myth that few men experience domestic violence. Here's an inside look into the prevalence and health effects of emotional and physical husband abuse.
If you think that emotional and physical abuse of husbands is rare because many men are stronger than women, you’re mistaken. Robert J. Reid, MD, an associate investigator at the Group Health Center for Health Studies, reports that many men experience domestic violence. What the Research Reveals about Husband AbuseReid and his colleagues conducted phone interviews of over 400 randomly sampled men. They found that 5% of men experienced domestic violence in the past year, 10% experienced it in the past five years, and 29% experienced it over their lifetimes. To these researchers, domestic violence includes nonphysical abuse (emotional abuse such as threats, chronic disparaging remarks, or controlling behavior) and physical abuse, such as slapping, hitting, kicking, or forced sex. The Effects of Husband AbuseMen who experience domestic violence can experience serious, long-term effects on their mental health. Emotional abuse can take a serious toll on a man’s psyche, resulting in depression or low self-esteem. Male domestic abuse doesn’t go away if it’s ignored. Sometimes abused husbands stay in the marriage because they think it won’t happen again – similar to abused wives. “We know that many women may have trouble leaving abusive relationships, especially if they're caring for young children and not working outside the home," said Dr. Reid. "We were surprised to find that most men in abusive relationships also stay, through multiple episodes, for years." Younger Men Report Domestic Violence More OftenReid reports that men 55 years old or older are less likely than younger men to report husband abuse. Older men are less likely to talk about domestic violence, possibly because of the stigma surrounding it. Another reason male domestic abuse is underreported may be that doctors don’t bring broach the subject with their patients. "We doctors hardly ever ask our male patients about being abused--and they seldom tell us," said Dr. Reid. "Many abused men feel ashamed because of societal expectations for men to be tough and in control." Both Husband and Wife Abuse Are Serious ConcernsReid stressed that wife abuse is just as concerning as husband abuse – and he and his colleagues have now studied both. "Our team is concerned about abuse of people: of women as well as men," Dr. Reid said. "We do not want to downplay the seriousness of domestic violence as experienced by women." If you think you’re the victim of male domestic violence, contact your doctor, a counselor, or a pastor. Couples counseling may be the most effective way to resolve husband abuse. If the situation warrants it, leaving the marriage or obtaining a restraining order may be the best solution. If you found Emotional & Physical Husband Abuse helpful, you might try: Source: Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies (2008, May 20). "Men Experience Domestic Violence, With Health Impact." ScienceDaily.
The copyright of the article Emotional & Physical Husband Abuse in Couples Counselling is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Emotional & Physical Husband Abuse in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
