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.
As we delve into the narratives of male survivors of domestic violence, Dr Mercy Maclean proposes a pressing question: how can we break the cycle of male domestic violence to foster healing and empowerment for these individuals? Dr Maclean’s work with male survivors of domestic violence suggests the answer lies in understanding the complexities of their experiences and developing tailored interventions that address their unique needs.
To achieve this, it is essential to recognise that male survivors of domestic violence often face significant barriers in accessing support services and disclosing their experiences. Dr Maclean indicates that these barriers can be attributed to harmful gender stereotypes and societal norms that perpetuate the notion that men are inherently strong and incapable of being victims of domestic violence. As a result, male survivors may struggle to find services that cater to their specific needs, leading to feelings of isolation and marginalisation. Dr Maclean outlines many barriers that lead to feelings of isolation and marginalisation.
One approach is to develop community-based programs that cater to the needs of men from diverse backgrounds. These programs can provide a safe and supportive environment for male survivors to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. They can also offer tailored support services, such as counselling and therapy, that address the specific needs of male survivors.
Another significant barrier is the stigma associated with domestic violence against men. Male survivors often face ridicule, disbelief, and blame, which can exacerbate their feelings of shame and guilt. This stigma can be particularly pronounced in traditional masculine cultures, where men are socialised to be strong and stoic, and any display of vulnerability is seen as a weakness.
To overcome these barriers, Dr Maclean proposes that it is essential to develop culturally sensitive and tailored interventions that cater to the specific needs of male survivors of domestic violence. This may involve recognising the unique challenges that men, mainly from marginalised communities, face in accessing support services and disclosing their experiences of domestic violence.
One approach is to develop community-based programs that cater to the needs of men from diverse backgrounds. These programs can provide a safe and supportive environment for male survivors to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. They can also offer tailored support services, such as counselling and therapy, that address the specific needs of male survivors.
Another approach is to leverage technology to provide online support groups and resources for male survivors of domestic violence. This can be particularly effective in reaching men who may be isolated or hesitant to seek help. Online support groups can provide a sense of anonymity and confidentiality, allowing men to share their experiences and connect with others without fear of judgment or repercussions.
In addition to these approaches, Dr Maclean proposes that it is essential to educate healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals about the experiences of male survivors of domestic violence. This can involve providing training and resources to help them recognise the signs and symptoms of domestic violence, as well as understand the unique challenges that male survivors face in accessing support services.
Dr Maclean asserts that by taking a comprehensive and inclusive approach to support male survivors of domestic violence, we can work towards creating a more supportive ecosystem that fosters healing to break the cycle of male domestic violence. This requires a commitment to challenging harmful gender stereotypes and societal norms, as well as recognising the unique needs and experiences of male survivors.
Resilience redefined: Understanding male endurance
Dr Mercy Maclean notes venturing into the realm of male survivors of domestic violence raises a profound inquiry: what constitutes resilience in the face of trauma, and how can we redefine it to serve these individuals better? The answer lies in deconstructing the complexities of their experiences and developing a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics at play.
In the context of male survivors, Dr Maclean suggests that resilience is often misconceived as an inherent trait, a badge of honour that signifies strength and stoicism. However, this oversimplification belies the reality of their experiences. Research suggests resilience is not innate but a dynamic process that unfolds in response to adversity. It manifests adaptability, emotional strength, and resourcefulness, honed through the crucible of trauma.
At its core, resilience embodies the capacity to absorb and respond to traumatic events while maintaining a sense of purpose and direction. It involves navigating complex emotions, reframing negative experiences, and finding meaning amid chaos. In the context of male survivors, Dr Mercy Maclean proposes resilience is not about denying vulnerability or suppressing emotions but embracing them as a catalyst for growth and transformation.
Etymologically, the concept of resilience has its roots in the Latin word "resilire," meaning "to bounce back" or "to recoil." This definition hints at the dynamic interplay between adversity and response, highlighting the adaptive nature of resilience. In the context of male survivors, Dr Mercy Maclean notes this bouncing back is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth, self-reflection, and adaptation.
Within the larger framework of psychological well-being, resilience occupies a critical position, serving as a buffer against the corrosive effects of trauma. It is the linchpin that connects coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and post-traumatic growth. By redefining resilience in the context of male survivors, we can better understand the intricate dance between trauma, coping, and recovery.
In real-world applications, Dr Mercy Maclean’s work concludes resilience manifests in the lives of male survivors across diverse contexts. By recognising the complexity of resilience, we can develop more effective interventions and support services that cater to the unique needs of male survivors.
Notwithstanding the interplay between individual and contextual factors, to develop a more nuanced understanding of male resilience and its role in recovery. Hence, promote “From Shadows to Light: Breaking the Cycle of Male 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.
