Both Men and Women Experience Domestic Abuse

Domestic violence against both men and women remains a significant problem in the United States. According to a recent survey, over 22% of women and over 7% of men have experienced some form of physical violence perpetrated against them by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. While awareness is growing regarding the fact that men can also be victims of domestic violence, the problem of education and awareness remains significant.

During the 1980s it was common to focus on teaching women how to prevent domestic violence through such methods as not wearing revealing clothing or drinking excessively, lessons that insinuate violence against women is the woman's fault. Now, organizations are doing a better job of reaching out to both men and women before violence occurs and providing resources after domestic abuse.

In 2003 alone the estimated costs of domestic violence against women (costs including medical care, mental health services, and lost wages and productivity) added up to $8.3 billion, and the actual cost is even higher when you consider the number of victims who do not report the violence they experience.

If you have been abused by a spouse or partner, now is the right time to speak with a family law attorney who can help you take action to prevent future maltreatment.