Men often suffer from domestic violence silently – 9&10 News

This is an issue that is sometimes overlooked as most domestic violence awareness centers around women. But men can also become victims of domestic violence.

Domestic abuse by men occurs more than people think, in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

In men, it usually presents differently than a direct blow to the face and may be milder. It can take the form of verbal humiliation, mental and emotional abuse, and persistent stalking. Physical violence and sexual abuse in extreme cases.

Mandy Sikkema, director of Oasis Family Resource Center, said men face different obstacles than women when trying to come forward.

“One in six men is affected by domestic violence,” Sikkema said. “The stigma of a man coming to our agency and saying he is a survivor is a stigma that we have created for ourselves in our society. Because you’re a man, you should be able to deal with it, you should be able to put her in her place or tell her no and that should be enough.

Sikkema said that as our world evolves more women are entering senior roles, the power and control dynamic prevalent in the breadwinner can sometimes lead to abuse.

Across the country, there are fewer resources for men who need help. However, the Oasis Family Resource Center offers help to male victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, click on the links below.

Oasis family resource center

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