"Overall, our study is the first to provide information on the mental health of men who sustain intimate terrorism and seek help," researcher Denise Hines wrote in her paper. "A majority of these men are suffering from PTSD, which seems to be a direct result of the physical intimate partner violence and controlling behaviors they are sustaining in their relationships."
(Watch Hines’ interview on DadsDivorce.com discussing PTSD and male domestic violence victims.)
More research is now being conducted on the prevalence and significance of domestic violence perpetrated against men since studies show there is a severe underreporting of partner abuse against men, according to researcher Anna Randle, lead author the study "A Review of the Evidence on the Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Men."
"For example, men are not as likely to report serious injuries due to abuse, and psychological or less violent abuse is more likely to go unreported to authorities," Randle wrote. "In addition, police are less likely to arrest female suspects accused of violence than male suspects," according to another study cited by Randle.
Researchers suggest there needs to be more "rigorous" research focusing specifically on male victims since the lack of reliable data has led to confusion on domestic violence effects on men.
Cordell and Cordell Family Law attorneys fight for men's rights so if you are the victim of domestic violence, contact Cordell & Cordell immediately.
