Domestic Violence: Not Just for Women

When we think of domestic violence, an abused woman generally comes to mind. And although the majority of domestic violence victims are female, many disregard or don’t believe when a man says he is a victim of domestic violence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in seven men over the age of 18 are abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. each year. In fact, one in 10 men are victims of rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner. It doesn’t matter what sexual preference a man has — 1 in five heterosexual men have experienced sexual violence other than rape in their lifetime, as compared to 2 in five homosexual men. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, of the victims who used the hotline in 2013, 13 percent were male victims.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone will be addressing the issue of domestic violence in New Jersey and offer tips on how to protect you and your family. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the signs of abuse, especially when the victim is male. Not all abuse is physical, after all. But here are a few warning signs that could mean you or man that you know is in an abusive relationship:

• Your partner insults you, calls you names, or puts you down
• Your partner tries to control you by choosing what you wear, what you spend your money on, or where you go
• Your partner prevents you from seeing family or friends
• You are accused of being unfaithful or your partner constantly acts jealous
• Physical violence such as hitting, slapping, or shoving
• Your partner forces you to have sex against your will

If you are a victim of domestic violence and need legal help or to obtain a restraining order, contact us today. We’ve been helping both male and female domestic violence victims in New Jersey for more than 26 years.