Violence Directed at Men in Heterosexual Intimate Relationships: Results of the Canadian General Social Survey

• In Event: The Broad Reach of Intimate Partner Violence Across Groups and its Consequences

Abstract

Both men and women can become victims of violence in intimate relationships, however, violence directed at men, especially in heterosexual relationships is a still largely neglected area of partner violence (PV) research. The 2014 General Social Survey (GSS) on Canadians’ Safety (Victimization) provides a rare opportunity to examine various aspects of violence directed at men by their female partners at the national level. This study estimates prevalence of physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse directed at men and the resulted emotional impact and physical injuries for men in intimate relationships. It also examines risk factors for PV directed at men and compares them to risk factors for female victims. Specifically, this study focuses on the role of alcohol/drugs, childhood maltreatment, and the partner’s controlling behaviour in relationships. Finally, this paper discusses male victims’ perceptions of criminal justice system responses and reasons for not reporting abuse incidents to the police. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for practice, policy, and future research.

Author

• Alexandra Lysova, Simon Fraser University