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 complexities of the silence surrounding male domestic violence, Dr Mercy Maclean emphasises the importance of understanding the statistical landscape to comprehend the seriousness of the silence surrounding male victims of domestic violence. Additionally, it is equally important that we ask ourselves thought-provoking questions. For example: What does the statistical landscape really tell us about the silence surrounding domestic violence against men? Are the statistics merely a reflection of reported cases, or do they hint at a larger, more complex issue?
Dr Mercy Maclean suggests that the key to understanding the complexities of statistical analysis and the potentially misleading nature of data around male domestic violence lies in understanding the term "prevalence”. Prevalence refers to the proportion of individuals within a population who have experienced a particular event or condition. When it comes to domestic violence against males, prevalence rates can offer insights into the scope and scale of abuse. However, it's important to note that prevalence rates may not accurately represent the true extent of the problem, as they often rely on reported cases, which may not account for unreported cases, hence the silence surrounding the issue.
The office for national statistics figures in the UK show the following
One in three victims of domestic abuse are males.
One in 6-7 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police, 25% are committed against men.
Only 4.7% of victims of domestic abuse being supported by local domestic services are men. This highlights how few men are being supported by local domestic abuse services.
66% of men who call a helpline have never spoken to anyone before about the abuse they are suffering and 64% would not have called if the helpline was not anonymous.
Recent studies have also shown that approximately 1 in 7 men (13.8%) have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. It's important to note that this number likely represents only a fraction of the total cases, as many men may not report their experiences due to fear, shame, or societal pressure. Additionally, the term 'severe physical violence' may not encompass the full range of abusive behaviours, such as emotional manipulation, psychological coercion, and financial control. Another important statistical term is 'incidence,' which refers to the number of new cases of a particular event or condition within a specific time period.
In the context of domestic violence against males, incidence rates can provide valuable insights into patterns and trends of abuse. For example, research has indicated that men are more likely to experience domestic violence during the summer months, possibly due to higher tensions caused by increased heat and humidity. Dr Mercy Maclean emphasises that although this finding may appear insignificant, it underscores the intricate relationship between environmental influences and interpersonal interactions. The notion of 'underreporting' is essential for comprehending the statistical representation of the lack of discussion surrounding male domestic violence. Underreporting pertains to the situation where males do not disclose their experiences of abuse, often because of fear, shame, or a lack of trust in authorities.
In instances involving male victims, Dr Mercy Maclean emphasises that there is often significant underreporting, as societal norms may discourage men from seeking help or disclosing their experiences. Research indicates that men are more likely to report their abuse to friends or family rather than to authorities, underscoring the need for more inclusive and supportive reporting mechanisms to break the silence. To put the issue of domestic violence against men into context, it is crucial to recognise that male victims are not immune to different forms of abuse. By acknowledging the experiences of male victims, we can begin to challenge the harmful gender stereotypes surrounding domestic violence and create a more inclusive and empathetic culture.
As we delve into the statistical realities of the silence surrounding domestic violence, Dr Mercy Maclean proposes that it becomes evident the issue is more complex than initial reporting figures may indicate. The data uncovers a nuanced landscape of silence around abuse that goes beyond gender boundaries and stereotypes. By examining the statistics more closely, we can start to dispel the harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding the silence of domestic violence against males, thus fostering a more supportive, inclusive, and just culture for all victims of abuse. In moving forward, it's crucial to bear in mind that statistics are just a starting point for comprehending the complexities of the silence around domestic violence against males. They offer a crucial insight into the issue, but they need to be understood within a broader framework of social, cultural, and economic factors. By doing so, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the silence around domestic violence, one that recognises the experiences of all victims and challenges the harmful stereotypes surrounding it.
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.
