Domestic Violence Against Men: Know the signs
Domestic violence against men isn't always easy to identify, but it can be a serious threat. Know how to recognize if you're being abused β and how to get help.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Women aren't the only victims of domestic violence. Understand the signs of domestic violence against men, and know how to get help. Recognize domestic violence against men Domestic violence β also known as intimate partner violence β occurs between people in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence against men can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse. It can happen in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
It might not be easy to recognize domestic violence against men. Early in the relationship, your partner might seem attentive, generous and protective in ways that later turn out to be controlling and frightening. Initially, the abuse might appear as isolated incidents. Your partner might apologize and promise not to abuse you again.
In other relationships, domestic violence against men might include both partners slapping or shoving each other when they get angry β and neither partner seeing himself or herself as being abused or controlled. This type of violence, however, can still devastate a relationship, causing both physical and emotional damage.