Domestic violence is one of the most delicate areas of human society. While anyone can be a victim, it seems society has allowed misconception to thrive, pointing an accusing finger at specific persons as the “typical” victims of domestic violence.
“This kind of dangerous misconception makes thousands of individuals vulnerable to abuse. Nobody seems to be interested in the story of such persons, even when they become victims of domestic violence. If we do not consciously stop this misconception, our world will be worse off in the long run,” says domestic violence attorney Mark Sherman.
This article aims to correct the misconception that certain people are the typical victims of domestic violence:
Considering the Statistics
600 persons were surveyed on who they believe to be the most typical victim of domestic violence. A whopping 79 percent of the respondents pointed to women in a heterosexual relationship, while a paltry seven percent believed men were the typical victims. The percentage of respondents who chose those in the LGBT community was insignificant.
While it may sound normal that women are the typical victims of domestic violence, this assumption will make us ignore the safety of others. With that misconception rife, when a man in a heterosexual relationship cries foul, we may tend to turn a deaf ear to him.
Many men feel helpless when they become victims of domestic violence. They think no one is ready to hear their story, making them adopt the culture of silence.
No One Is a Typical Victim
It is right to boldly declare at this point that no one is a “typical” victim of domestic violence. Members of the LGBT community and men in heterosexual relationships have sought help from abusive partners in different instances. Legal professionals have handled several cases from both sides.
If we become fixated on who is the most affected, it is an indirect way of telling others that they cannot get any form of support. In other words, the system is saying it only supports women victims.
There are several instances of abuse in same-sex relationships. According to statistics from Stonewall, one in four bisexual and lesbian women have suffered abuse in their relationships. The publication also reveals that 49 percent of bisexual and homosexual men have suffered at least an incident of abuse from a partner or relative since they turned 16.
The Culture of Silence
As observed earlier, many cases of domestic violence against men in heterosexual relationships are usually unreported. According to figures from Mankind Initiative, one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Despite this alarming rate, 29 percent of male victims of domestic violence will not open up to anyone about their experience. This is twice as much as female victims (12 percent) who will not report their cases of abuse.
When we assume that women are the only domestic violence victims in a heterosexual relationship, we leave so many men at risk. Many of them cannot muster the courage to talk about their situation. They believe no one will give them a listening ear, so they decide to embrace the culture of silence.
It is about time authorities and other concerned parties took domestic violence against men in heterosexual relationships and members of the LGBT community seriously. We should not shine the light on a segment while we leave others to their fate.
Adopting a Pragmatic Solution
If this misconception will end anytime soon, all hands must be on deck. Awareness should not focus on just a particular segment of society; it should target every victim of abuse.
We must let other victims understand that they have our support. No one should stigmatize them for seeking help from an abusive partner or family member. When awareness is all-encompassing, everyone will feel safe about their situation.
Concluding Remarks
Correcting the misconception about the “typical” domestic violence victims will not happen suddenly. It will take some time, and all hands must be on deck to make it a reality. You must not encourage the culture of stigmatization against any domestic abuse victim.
Also, if you are a domestic violence victim, there is an array of help available to you. Numerous charity organizations and other bodies are willing to help you. Instead of feeling dejected and unheard, explore the help within your reach.
Media Information:
The Law Offices of Mark Sherman,LLC
(203) 9 301 925
170 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
