Domestic Violence and Mental Health - Male Victims
Domestic violence is an issue that is starting to be discussed more, and rightfully so. When stigma is removed from talking about abuse, it is easier for the victims to escape their relationships and find safety. However, with that said, male victims of domestic violence still face extreme cultural stigma, making it difficult to come forward and seek help. With a society that places such importance on masculinity and often disregards violence against men as a joke, men who are being abused in domestic relationships face high levels of scrutiny. This type of treatment can lead to many different mental health issues; ranging from depression and stress to anxiety and panic attacks, male victims face a wide array of challenges that can only intensify their trauma.
Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and panic attacks can cause intense trauma in an individual’s life. Especially when prior trauma has been caused by domestic violence, seeking help for possible underlying mental health problems is extremely important. There is a real stigma attached to discussing mental health to begin with, so coming forward to ask for help can be very difficult. However, when it is a male victim of domestic violence, that stigma is compounded and the chances of men coming forward fall drastically.
As such, even if a man does recognize that he needs help, he may be unlikely to seek help and receive appropriate treatment. This can be detrimental not only to the male victim after he leaves an abusive relationship, but also a large deterrent to leave the relationship in the first place. By having a serious discussion about how domestic violence can affect men, we can end the stigma surrounding it and will increase the number of men who seek help.
One of the responsibilities we, in society, have in regard to the issue of male victims of domestic violence is to be receptive and helpful. By recognizing a friend or colleague is in need and extending a helping hand, we can all better the world around us. Treatment of mental health issues is very important, especially if the events which caused such issues is domestic violence. Trauma of this kind can require counselling, medication, or other tactics in order to help rebuild trust, confidence, and self-esteem in victims. Community building can be a large part of the treatment process; victims of domestic violence need a support system in place to help them through treatment and rehabilitation.
Counselling can be a very positive way to approach the healing process for a male victim of domestic violence. It is extremely important to have a positive discussion about past events and promote healthy relationships, talking about feelings, and creating a safe place for people to ask for help. Specifically with male victims, this can be a very difficult thing to accomplish, but that is why starting the discussion is so important. Our March Mental Health Seminar is focused on promoting a discussion around topics like male victims of domestic violence, covering areas of how to heal after being in an abusive, traumatic relationship.
One way we hope to end the stigma around this issue is by having a professional, engaging, and open discussion about it. Our professional counsellors and industry leaders will present treatment options, talk about counselling as a healing tool for victims of domestic violence, and promote a safe, positive place to examine the issues surrounding this topic. While there is a strong stigma in society around men being victims of domestic violence, it is something that happens and is something that demands to be taken seriously. Our seminar aims to give this area a voice and we will do our part to help bring about great change in this field.