In This Story
Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work Denise Hines was the keynote speaker for an FBI event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) dedicated to bringing awareness to male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), a historically under-recognized population of IPV victims. The event, “Men: An Underrepresented Victim,” shed light on the statistics and lived experiences of male IPV victims. Hines’s speech, which included evidence supported by her research, provided key insights on the physical, psychological, sexual, and legal/administrative abuse men can experience at the hands of their partners.
For example, Hines discredited some often-discussed myths about IPV against men. “People think men can’t be victims of sexual assault: That’s not true. Our data shows that they often are and that when sexual abuse is part of the IPV, the relationships are more dangerous,” Hines said. “People then ask: Does it really hurt them? Yes, it does. The majority of male victims have been injured, often severely enough to need medical attention, and sometimes, they are too embarrassed to seek medical care.”
Despite women traditionally being portrayed as the demographic most in need of IPV support resources, more and more evidence is showing that all genders and sexual orientations are in need of supports and resources. For example, data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) reveals that an estimated 1 in 10 men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
Hines is hopeful that the social narrative is shifting to be more inclusive and representative of all victims.
“I was recently leaving from a swim lesson for my child when I noticed a poster on the wall. The poster was about domestic abuse victimization, with photos of men,” Hines said. “This was a sign to me that the message is starting to get through.”
Hines is an expert on the causes, consequences, and prevention of family violence and sexual assault, specifically focusing on under-recognized victims of IPV. She has conducted extensive research on partner violence and specializes in translating university-based research for policymakers to create legislation supporting IPV victims.
Attendees described Hines’s words as representing the importance of gender inclusivity in IPV conversations and relatable to the real-life experiences of men who have survived IPV.
The event also featured well-known spoken word artist Breeze the Poet, who recited two poems recounting the confusion and complexities he felt as a male victim of IPV.
Mason’s Student Support and Advocacy Center provides confidential supportive services to student victims and survivors of all forms of sexual and interpersonal violence as well as serving as a link to campus and community resources.