Dr Mercy Maclean is a Practitioner Chartered Health Psychologist and the author of the book “Destigmatisation of Mental Health to Combat Public and Self-Stigma”, published in 2024.
Dr Mercy Maclean emphasises the importance of exploring the historical development of male victims of domestic violence advocacy.
Understanding the progress that has been made, as well as the challenges that remain, is crucial for shaping the future of domestic violence support for men.
Dr Mercy Maclean reports that charting the inception of this movement will highlight the earliest recorded roots of male victim advocacy, dating back to the 1970s, when pioneers like Erin Pizzey, a British feminist and founder of the first women's refuge in the UK, began to acknowledge the existence of male victims of domestic violence. In the 1980s,
the movement gained momentum with the establishment of organisations like the National Coalition for Men (NCM) in the US, which focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by male victims. This period also saw the emergence of early advocates like Warren Farrell, who wrote extensively on the topic of male victimhood and its implications for society.
The 1990s witnessed a significant shift in the movement as awareness campaigns and support services began to take shape.
The launch of the first male-focused domestic violence hotline in the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, marked a critical milestone in the recognition of male victims.
This decade also saw the publication of seminal works like "The Myth of Male Power" by Warren Farrell, which challenged prevailing gender stereotypes and sparked a national conversation about male victimhood. In the 2000s,
the movement continued to evolve, with the establishment of organisations like the Men's Advice Line in the UK, which provided a confidential helpline and online support services specifically for male victims of domestic violence.
This decade also saw the launch of awareness campaigns like the "Don't Let Him Get Away with It" initiative in the UK, which aimed to challenge harmful myths and stereotypes surrounding male victimhood. As we move into the 2010s,
the movement has continued to gain momentum, with the proliferation of social media and online platforms providing new avenues for advocacy and support.
The launch of organisations like the Male Survivor Trust in the US, which provides support services and resources for male survivors of sexual abuse, has marked a significant expansion of the movement's scope. However, despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, and the ongoing nature of the male victim advocacy movement keeps us all engaged and part of a dynamic process.
Institutional biases that hinder support services for male victims
Dr Mercy Maclean advocates that Institutional bias and systemic neglect continue to hinder the provision of adequate support services for male victims, perpetuating the invisibility of male victimhood and exacerbating their experiences of trauma and vulnerability.
Dr Mercy Maclean proposes examining the cross-cultural journey of male victim advocacy to address these challenges, highlighting key milestones and notable controversies that have shaped its course.
For instance, the controversy surrounding the inclusion of male victims in the UK's Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, which initially excluded male victims from the definition of domestic violence, highlights the ongoing struggles of the movement.
Furthermore, the adaptation of male victim advocacy in different cultures and regions has led to varying degrees of recognition and support. In some countries, like Australia, male victim advocacy has become an integral part of the national conversation, with organisations like the One in Three Campaign working to raise awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes.
In other regions, like the Middle East and North Africa, the movement has faced significant obstacles, with patriarchal societies and limited resources hindering the provision of support services for male victims. Despite these challenges, organisations like the Arab Men's Forum for Gender Equality have emerged, working to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote greater recognition of male victimhood.
This global impact of male victim advocacy makes us all part of a larger movement, connected in our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all victims of domestic violence.
Dr Mercy Maclean, Practitioner Chartered Health Psychologist
Dr Mercy Maclean is a Practitioner Chartered Health Psychologist registered with The Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC), an Associate Fellow of The British Psychological Society (AFBPsS), and a full member of the Division of Health Psychology at The British Psychological Society (BPS). She specialises in behaviour change interventions and mental wellbeing approaches to reduce health inequalities among healthcare professionals and health service users. Her personal investment in mental wellbeing approaches is deeply rooted in her family history. She understands the impact of mental illness and the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding for those who are struggling.
Dr Mercy Maclean is the author of the highly anticipated book – “Destigmatisation of Mental Health to Combat Public and Self-Stigma” – click here.
