Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 4-2023

Abstract

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey estimates that over 226.1 million people have been victims of domestic violence (DV) throughout their lifetimes. This violence can present itself in physical abuse or emotional turmoil, all with the ultimate goal of a perpetrator maintaining power over their victim(s). Rates of victimization across men and women are similar—44.2% and 47.3% respectively; however, this is not reflected in the current research and service provisions for victims. For example, male-identifying victims within the criminal justice system have reported their innocence must be proved before their claims of abuse are taken seriously, and that they are less likely to have an Order of Protection granted by a judge or magistrate. The systemic failure to recognize male victims and affirm their experiences not only diminishes one’s personal value and worth, but further perpetuates the false narrative that men simply cannot be victimized by interpersonal violence. In order to counter the equitable treatment of male victims within the domestic violence service community, this capstone research explores the scope of domestic violence perpetrated on male-identifying victims, examines potential barriers to reporting rates among male victims, and presents best practices when working with this population. Grounded in a scholarly review of the literature and best practices, this poster presents a dual intervention program proposal aimed at male-identifying victims who are specifically engaged with the legal system through the Davidson County District Attorney’s (DA’s) office and their service providers.

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