An overlooked and underserved experience
Male survivors are frequently marginalized in domestic violence conversations and support systems. Stereotypes about masculinity can make it difficult to name abuse, disclose it, or find support that takes it seriously.
Male survivor advocacy is not a competition with female survivor advocacy. Recognizing men who have been harmed strengthens our commitment to every survivor.
Barriers to reaching out
- Fear of ridicule, disbelief, or not being taken seriously.
- Shame and expectations that men should always be strong or able to defend themselves.
- Concern about being mistaken for the aggressor.
- Limited awareness of male-inclusive services and difficulty finding appropriate resources.
- Psychological and emotional abuse that others minimize.
- Sexual violence against men and stigma surrounding disclosure.
- Fear of disclosure, its consequences, or losing important relationships and support.
Abuse does not define your worth
Being harmed does not make you weak. You deserve to have your choices respected and your experience heard. You do not need to prove your masculinity or explain why you did not leave before reaching out.
Finding appropriate support
The National Domestic Violence Hotline supports people of all genders. An advocate can help you discuss options and look for services appropriate to your circumstances; local availability and eligibility vary. RAINN offers sexual-violence support for people of all genders, including men.
Support, at your own pace
Survivors are never responsible for managing, correcting, treating, or changing the behavior of someone who abuses them. Support does not depend on staying, reconciling, or participating in joint education.