Sousa Law Celebrating 15 Years
Sousa Law Celebrating 15 Years

How gender prejudice distorts views of domestic abuse

Let’s begin with a scenario.

A and B are in a longstanding relationship. They cohabit and have two young children together. A is the sole breadwinner and B does not work, having given up their job when the children were born. Consequently, A controls the family finances and B has no independent income.

As B does not work, A expects B to care for the children and run the household on a day-to-day basis – cooking, cleaning. and caring for the children. A has particular expectations as to how B should undertake these tasks.

A also controls many other aspects of B’s life. A has alienated B from their family and friends. A will regularly check B’s phone and social media accounts. B is unable to enjoy any independent social life.

A has eroded B’s self-worth, humiliating them to the point that B is suffering from depression and anxiety. A is also frequently violent towards B. B feels powerless to leave the relationship, not least because A threatens to keep the children in the event of separation.

This scenario is likely a familiar one, and many would assume that B is the woman and A is the man – but it could just as easily be the other way around. Despite this, many in society and the legal profession seem unable to let go of this deep-rooted assumption.

How does gender prejudice impact male victims of domestic abuse?

Traditional views of masculinity pose major barriers for men facing domestic violence. Phrases like “be a man” or “boys don’t cry” discourage men from speaking up about abuse and reinforce the stereotype that men must always appear strong. This societal pressure can make it extremely difficult for male victims to admit they are being abused, especially when it comes to physical violence. They often fear that they won’t be believed or that they won’t be taken seriously by those around them.

The legal system can be another hurdle – male victims sometimes find themselves blamed, with the courts struggling to accept men as victims of serious abuse by women.

Breaking down these ingrained biases around masculinity is necessary for men to feel safe seeking help and having their experiences acknowledged.

What legal protections do men in abusive relationships have?

The law protects everyone equally from abuse in relationships, regardless of gender. This applies even if the abuse isn’t physical – Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 makes coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship a criminal offence. This gives an added layer of protection to those suffering abuse which falls short of actual violence.

Here’s a breakdown of what actions you can take:

  • You can report the abuse to the police, just like anyone else experiencing domestic violence. They can investigate and potentially press charges against your abuser.
  • You can apply for a court order to keep your abuser away from you and potentially your children. This can help prevent further violence and harassment.

While the law is on your side, there’s still a gap between what’s written and how things work. Societal biases and outdated ideas might make some men feel uncomfortable seeking legal help.

This doesn’t have to be the case. You deserve to be safe, and the resources are there to help.

Know you’re not alone. Sousa Law is here to help.

At Sousa Law, we understand how difficult and upsetting family breakdowns can be, especially when there’s abuse involved. Our experienced solicitors have a deep understanding of abusive situations and will always put your safety and well-being first. Whatever your gender, background, or situation, we’re here to support you with expert legal advice and a warm, compassionate approach.

We can offer a free consultation to discuss your options, so you don’t have to feel alone. Call us on 02380 713 060 or book online to get started.

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