'Because you're a man, you should be fine': a case study of female perpetrated intimate partner violence

Background: Service provision for male survivors of Intimate Partner violence (IPV) is very limited within the UK and this contributes to inaccurate cultural and societal beliefs that it does not exist. Men are rarely considered in the IPV literature and myths that physical and sexual violence by women towards men is not possible in addition to the lack of recognition by law that men can be raped serves to further isolate and vilify survivors.
Aims: The purpose of the research was to gain an understanding of the experiences of mid-life and older men who have survived IPV and the support available to them including any barriers to help seeking. The research question focused upon their experiences and support needs since being in a female perpetrated IPV relationship.
Methodology; This case study focuses upon the data from one survivor of IPV who was over the age of 45; a white, heterosexual British male in his 60’s. Data was collected via a one to one interview, transcribed and analysed using a narrative approach.
Findings: Findings illustrate how lack of information about female perpetrated violence, criminal justice failings and limited, inaccessible service provision contribute to the development and maintenance of trauma-related symptoms.
Conclusions: As Counselling Psychologists we have a duty to ensure that our assessments are trauma-informed, inclusive of men and women as potential perpetrators or survivors of physical and sexual assault and considering our formulations in the context of wider societal and cultural assumptions.