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If you would like to contribute to the art and science section contact: Gwen Clarke, art and science editor, Nursing Standard,
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&
art & science literature review keywords were used: domestic abuse, domestic
violence, male victims of domestic
abuse/violence and domestic abuse/violence
against men. Where the use of these keywords
violence encompasses unwanted violence, directed the author to references and websites
aggression, humiliation and intimidation. It relating to domestic violence against women,
is interesting to note that contemporary the information was disregarded unless it
definitions of domestic violence use gender provided basic statistics with which to compare
inclusive or gender neutral language to address figures relating to male victims of domestic
the changing dynamics of domestic violence, violence. For the purpose of this article the term
which can occur between all social and sexual ‘domestic violence’ is used to encompass
groups (Hester and Westmarland 2005, physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse.
Du Plat-Jones 2006). Because of the lack of information available
relating to domestic violence against men,
web-based information was used as part of the
Prevalence of male victims
literature review. Although the authenticity and
Leonard (2003) suggests that it is difficult to accuracy of the material may be questionable,
establish reliable estimates of male victims of Coad et al (2006) suggest that the use of ‘grey
domestic violence because few men are willing literature’ (unpublished or internet material)
to admit that they are being abused and can be a source of useful information.
therefore do not seek professional help. The Forms of violence and the post-abuse experience
2001/02 British Crime Survey found George and Yarwood (2004) and Du Plat-Jones
that 19% of domestic violence incidents (2006) focused on the forms of violence
affected male victims, and that about half of experienced by men (Table 1 and Box 1) and
these incidents were committed by women police response (Table 2). Men experienced
(BBC 2005). The 2004/05 British Crime Survey similar types of physical abuse as women.
found that partner abuse was the most Although George and Yarwood (2004)
common form of intimate violence; 28% of highlighted the physical violence that men
women and 18% of men had experienced one experienced, little attention was given to the
or more forms of partner abuse (Finney 2006).
Using time as a marker, Fontes (1999) TABLE 1
suggested that while men abuse their female
Frequency and forms of domestic physical
partner every 15 seconds in the United States abuse against men (n =100)
(US), females abuse their male partner every
Percentage of
14.6 seconds. This male/female equality is
male victims
supported by Gelles (1999), suggesting that
violence between genders is equal. The figures Assaulted once a month 75
surrounding the occurrence of domestic abuse or more frequently
in men vary and this may be exacerbated by Assaulted more than More than
researchers and practitioners who use different ten times 66
definitions or criteria to measure the problem.
Threatened with a weapon 50
Despite the acknowledged prevalence and
growing numbers of male victims of domestic Received severe bruising 40
violence, Lawrence (2003) suggests the evidence Kicked in the genitals 33
surrounding domestic violence indicates that
Burnt or scalded 16
there may still be many male victims who do
not report such incidents because of the fear of Stabbed 10
ridicule, social isolation and humiliation. (George and Yarwood 2004)
&
art & science literature review Providing appropriate information and
referral.
Promoting an opportunity to speak about
the experience.
Male victims may experience broken limbs,
bruising, knife wounds, teeth marks, deep Offering support and reassurance.
scratches and lacerations, inappropriate
Being non-judgemental.
comments, fear and intimidation, tearfulness
and refuse to be physically examined by nurses, The DH (2005) also points out that nursing staff
particularly female nurses. should adhere to their NHS trust’s domestic
Male victims of domestic abuse often do not policy and provides an overview of some of the
seek help from support services or health practical things nurses can do to assist those who
professionals because they fear that they will have experienced domestic violence (Box 3).
not be believed (Gelles 1999, Men Cry Too To enable nurses to engage successfully in
2006). Lawrence (2003) suggests that health these activities, they should become involved
professionals are not sensitive enough in in multi-agency working with other care
dealing with male victims. Health professionals professionals in social services, schools (when
need to show humility, compassion and there are children involved), GP practices and
sensitivity when addressing male victims of
domestic violence to encourage them to discuss
BOX 2
their situation. It is important to listen to the
victim and offer reassurance rather than Resources and support networks for male
ignoring or dismissing the problem. Male victims of domestic violence
victims of domestic violence may be too Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
nervous, afraid or embarrassed to talk about
UK National Domestic Violence Helpline:
what is happening to them. Sensitive
0808 2000 247
communication on the part of healthcare
professionals is crucial in eliciting information Male Advice and Enquiry Line: 0845 064 6800
from male victims (James-Hanman 1998, Hidden Hurt: www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/
Campbell-Bliss et al 2000, Du Plat-Jones
BBC website Hitting Home: www.bbc.co.uk/
2006). Healthcare professionals also need to
relationships/domestic_violence/menhh_index.shtml
be supportive, non-judgemental and address
issues of dignity, privacy and confidentiality. Men Cry Too: http://mencrytoo.homestead.com
Just as it is helpful for nurses to have access to MPower: www.male-rape.org.uk/
best practice and up-to-date evidence relating to
(Information correct at time of going to press)
domestic violence against women, it is equally
important and valuable for staff to have access to
best practice and up-to-date material relating to BOX 3
domestic violence against men. Key areas nurses need to consider when
Nurses are often the first health professional dealing with domestic abuse
with whom male victims of domestic violence
come into contact. As well as providing treatment Be aware of local support services.
the nurse may be able to provide helpful Create a supportive environment in which
information regarding where the individual can the person can talk.
go to for further help and support. Nurses could Be aware of the signs that could indicate domestic
help to organise practical help such as housing for abuse.
male victims who need a safe place to stay after
leaving their partners. Sensitive provision of Know what questions to ask to encourage the
person to feel safe to confide in you.
appropriate information and advice on self-
advocacy groups, welfare benefits, the courts and Validate and support the person who reveals abuse.
child access issues in collaboration with social Provide information about the relevant support
services would also be helpful for male victims. agencies.
In the handbook Responding to Domestic
Maintain detailed and accurate records but do not
Abuse, the DH (2005) summarises the nurse’s
write this information in hand-held records.
role in responding to women who have
experienced domestic abuse. This information Ensure confidentiality and if you need to share
can also be applied to caring for men in similar information follow trust guidelines.
situations and includes: Address any health needs.
(Department of Health 2005)
Maintaining the safety of the person involved.
also the police (Mirrlees-Black 1999). Creating are neglected and often ignored by society.
such links with various care professionals will Because of the taboo nature of violence against
help to raise awareness of domestic violence men, victims may be reluctant to report
against men and encourage the development of incidents of domestic violence for fear of being
support services. rejected, humiliated and ridiculed by care
It may also be helpful to create a clinical nurse professionals, including nurses who often do
specialist or consultant nurse role specialising in not have the training to deal with or support
working with male victims of domestic abuse. male victims appropriately.
The nurse in this role would have an awareness There is a lack of information and a lack of
of local, regional and national trends relating to support services available for male victims of
domestic violence, and provide appropriate domestic violence. Although it would be valid to
training for all care, nursing, medical and social call for more thorough and in-depth research to
service staff on how to support and deal with be carried out into domestic violence against men,
victims of domestic violence. there is a need to go much further than this. To
bring about a change in attitudes and approaches
to male victims and to improve service provision,
Conclusion
society needs to increase its awareness of
Male victims of domestic violence, where domestic violence against men and encourage and
women are the perpetrators of such violence, support men to report such violence NS
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