If you feel you are in an abusive relationship, contact PSEPP in confidence. Our staff are here to help you with issues of domestic violence and abuse. You will not be ridiculed and your information will be held in the strictest confidence.
Despite cultural norms, domestic abuse is not based on who is bigger and stronger. It is about the person in the relationship who has control and power over the other. Abuse takes many forms inlcuding physical, psychological, even verbally abusive means. Men feel that they are macho enough to ignore the abuse and tend to not even acknowledge it as abuse. The silence of men in abusive relationships is reinforced by the disbelief and ridicule they may face on reporting domestic abuse being committed against them. Living with domestic abuse can result in depression, loss of confidence or self-worth, substance abuse and suicide.
Men tend to not consider being kicked, bitten, hit with a fist or object, beaten up, threatened with a deadly weapon by an intimate partner as domestic violence or abuse.
Has your partner ever done any of the above or:
told you you were worthless and unattractive or that no one else would want you?
tried to prevent you from seeking medical attention?
deliberately destroyed or damaged something you value?
thrown things at you or broken objects in an argument?
hurt or threatened to hurt you or your children?
abused drugs or alcohol?
suddenly gotten out of control and extremely angry then tried to make it up afterwards?
forced you to have sex or made you do things during sex that made you uncomfortable?
threatened to leave you and take the children because 'women always get custody'?
threatened to commit suicide if you leave?
put you down in front of friends or called you names?
prevented you from seeing friends or family?
spent large sums of money without telling you what it is for and kept the family finances a secret?
In your relationship have you ever:
changed your behavior to avoid violence?
felt that you cannot do anything right?
worried about being attacked in your sleep?
constantly worried about the next time your partner got drunk or high?
found it difficult to maintain relationships because your partner does not approve?
If you have ever experienced any number of the above, you are experiencing domestic abuse. Some of the above could pose a threat to your safety. If you are the victim of domestic abuse, contact PSEPP in confidence to gain access to services you need.
Acknowledge that domestic violence happens to men as well. You are not alone and you should not feel afraid to ask for the help you need.
Don't keep the abuse silent. You could be placing yourself in danger by not reporting or speaking to someone you trust about the abuse. PSEPP staff are available and willing to help you get counseling services at your request.
If you contact emergency services, insist that the police make a report of your injuries and record them accordingly. Take pictures of any injuries and keep them in a safe place. Always follow any legal advice you receive.
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