There’s a lot of misinformation out there about abuse against men. Some people don’t believe it happens—or worse, they make guys feel like it’s their fault. Let’s break down the myths and facts so you know the truth.
❌ Myth 1: “Men can’t be abused—they’re stronger.”
✅ Fact: Abuse isn’t about physical strength—it’s about control. Many abusers use emotional manipulation, financial control, threats, or legal abuse to trap their victims. Even if a man could fight back, he might fear arrest, losing his kids, or not being believed.
❌ Myth 2: “If it really happened, he’d just leave.”
✅ Fact: Leaving is dangerous—and often hardest right at the end. Abusers may:
- Threaten suicide, violence, or false accusations.
- Control money, cars, or passports.
- Isolate victims from friends/family.
Plus, many men stay because they’re protecting kids or pets.
❌ Myth 3: “Men must have done something to provoke it.”
✅ Fact: Abuse is never the victim’s fault. No one “asks for” or “deserves” violence. Blaming the victim (“Why didn’t you just…?”) is a tactic abusers use to silence men.
❌ Myth 4: “Male victims are rare.”
✅ Fact: As the stats show:
- 1 in 6 men face abuse from a partner.
- 40% of domestic violence victims are male—but most don’t report it.
- Male victims are 3x less likely to tell anyone than women. (UK Home Office)
❌ Myth 5: “The legal system always helps male victims.”
✅ Fact: Many men face gender bias when seeking help:
- Police may assume he’s the aggressor (especially if he’s larger).
- Shelters and resources for men are extremely limited.
- False accusations do happen—and can ruin lives.
❌ Myth 6: “It’s only physical abuse that counts.”
✅ Fact: Abuse comes in many forms:
- Emotional: Gaslighting, humiliation, threats.
- Financial: Controlling money, sabotaging jobs.
- Digital: Spyware, tracking your phone.
- Legal: Using courts to harass you.
None of this is “less serious” than physical violence.
❌ Myth 7: “Men don’t get traumatized by abuse.”
✅ Fact: Male survivors often struggle with:
- PTSD, depression, and anxiety (just like female victims).
- Shame—because society tells them they “should’ve handled it.”
- Isolation—since few people take their pain seriously.
💡 The Bottom Line
- Abuse against men is real.
- It’s not your fault.
- You deserve help—and it’s out there.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,” trust your gut. You’re not crazy, weak, or alone.
Need to talk?
- U.S./Canada: National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)
- UK: Mankind Initiative (01823 334244)
- Australia: One in Three
Stay strong, brother. We see you. 🤝
(Sources: CDC, UK Home Office, Mankind Initiative, One in Three Campaign)
