Mexico City Men Suffering From Domestic Abuse Are in High Numbers
Laws in different countries around the globe have always protected women from different kinds of abuse from men. Women's Rights advocates have always been vocal about women not having to take any type of abuse, especially from their partners.
But what happens when the tables turn?
In Mexico, Telesurf reports that domestic abuse towards men is surprisingly high. From January 2014 to November 2015, as many as 6,503 complaints have been filed by men who complained of suffering from psychological and physical abuse at the hands of their wives, partners, or other female relatives.
While the majority of domestic violence victims still remain to be women, with Mexico city noted as one of the top countries most dangerous to the female population, it is important to note that men can be victims of abuse as well.
In the United States, The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that according to the CDC, one in seven men aged 18 and above has been a victim to physical violence. One in ten has experienced rape, physical violence and stalking.
While the numbers are significantly lower compared to women experiencing such abuse, the hotline noted that culturally, men are more inclined not to express their feelings, and are taught to "suck it up" and refrain from seeing themselves as victims, which is why men feel discouraged from reporting such incidents. With stereotypes still inclined to believe that men are perpetrators of abuse, many also believe that resources available for women do not apply to them.
No matter the sex, age, or occupation, everyone is entitled to get help. As noted by Helpguide, it does not matter if you're straight, gay, bisexual, or transgender: if you are in an abusive relationship, you should get out. Here are some signs of domestic abuse:
Verbal abuse -- belittling or humiliating you in front of your friends, family, or colleagues, or even on social media sites.
Possessiveness -- when your partner acts jealous, harrases you, or accuses you of being unfaithful.
Need for control -- when your car keys, medications, phones, or personal things are taken away to control where you go and who you see, as well as control of your money.
Make false allegations -- in an attempt to isolate you from your family and friends, or find other ways to manipulate you.
Threats -- when they prevent you from seeing your kids, or any other threat to prevent you from reporting abuse.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, get help. Here are a few resources for men:
Male Survivor
Safe Place
Center Against Domestic Violence
Helpguide
Lambda