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Helpseeking Experiences of Men Who Sustain Intimate Partner Violence: An Overlooked Population and Implications for Practice

NCJ Number
236524
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 6 Dated: August 2011 Pages: 473-485
Author(s)
Emily M. Douglas; Denise A. Hines
Date Published
2011
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article examines the experiences of males seeking help from intimate partner violence (IPV) from their female partners.
Abstract
For over 30 years, research has shown that men can and do sustain intimate partner violence (IPV) from their female partners. This is the first large-scale, nationally-based, quantitative study to systematically detail the helpseeking experiences of men who have sustained IPV from their female partners. The sample is composed of 302 men who were recruited from resources specializing in men's issues. Results indicate that men who seek help for IPV victimization have the most positive experiences in seeking help from family/friends, and mental health and medical providers. They have the least positive experiences with members of the DV service system. Cumulative positive helpseeking experiences were associated with lower levels of abusing alcohol; cumulative negative experiences were associated with higher rates of exceeding a clinical cut-off for post-traumatic stress disorder. Results are discussed in terms of implications for the social service sector and for future research. (Published Abstract)