When we, as a society talk about spousal abuse, why do we assume that we're talking about women?

Question

Did you know that it is more common for men to be physically abused by their wives, than it is for wives to be physically abused by their husbands?

Answer 1

It's time we got out of the stone ages. Research has shown that women actually hit men more than the other way around because they are raised not to strike women. Not all women are weaker than men.

The thing is I feel sorry for guys. Sometimes the woman is stronger but since society is filled with idiots most males won't openly admit it and some women think all men are stronger that is not always the case.

Also many men won't strike a female, which means she constantly can hit him but he can't defend himself.

It occurs both ways.

Answer 2

It is because men dont come forth with it as often as women. I guess they are embarrased. But it is nothing to be embarrased about. In my opinion if a good man is getting hit and he doesnt hit back because of on reason or the other then he has nothing to be ashamed of. I never will understand why anyone puts up with it. I did it for 8 years and I still dont know why I stayed so long.

Answer 3

Yes I did know that but why it isn't talked about I don't know. It's a shame too. Unfourtantely things of this nature are just now beging to be opened up with women and lot of it has to do with horomones and the changes that take place after children are born. Which is why there are so many drugs out there now a day. Sad but true.

Answer 4

We don't usually hear about men being abused. That's why people don't believe it. Besides people figure that a man can fend off a women because their bigger and stronger. But that isn't always the case. So men should start reporting abuse.

Answer 5

Men are more afraid to speak up about it; it's not macho to admit you're getting beaten up by the "weaker sex". I wouldn't venture to agree with your take on the numbers, but I do know that there are women abusers. Not to mention verbal and emotional abuse - there's no gender line on that! I've known a few ballbreakers in my day. So why do men, or women, put up with it?

Answer 6

Yes, men can be victims of abuse also!. However, stats show that more women are likely to be abused than men. A study done in 2001, showed that women are 85% more likely to be abused than men. (www.ncadv.org) Also, women are more likley to report issues of domestic violence than men.

Answer 7

When a Chihuahua bits an elephant it may be news but its not dangerous.
When a pit bull bits a Chihuahua its "so long puppy".
A man may get pushed, but hes not going to be visiting the hospital for broken ribs and stab wounds. A mans greater physical strength and lesser ability to control his anger makes him far more dangerous than a woman in any match up.
Men also use multiple methods to control their target, women tend to respond in kind to abusive behavior, at least in the beginning.

Answer 8

You need to back up your statement with some data if you want someone to believe you.

I have worked for years with runaway and abused children and as a director of a shelter for abused women and I have only seen one "1" incident of a woman abusing a man to the point the man felt like he needed help and protection. On the other hand I have seen more than enough bruised and puffed up eyes, some swollen shut and broken bones on countless women. Most men are abused as children and then return the favor later in life.

Answer 9

I think that because society sees it as the female being the weaker sex, therefore assume they're most likely the ones being abused.. unless the person in question is specific first hand, they will just assume it that way.
Also, I think the men tend to keep more quiet about it, possibly due to embarrassment that people may criticize him for being weak.

Answer 10

You are incorrect. The rates are approximately equal. However, most importantly, the reason we are more concerned about the women is because it's very much worse for them.

General Social Survey on Victimization (GSS): This victimization survey asked almost 26,000 women and men about their experiences of abuse including experiences of violence and emotional abuse in their current or previous marriages and common law partnerships. According to the GSS, women and men experience similar rates of both violence and emotional abuse in their relationships. The survey found, however, that the violence experienced by women tended to be more severe - and more often repeated - than the violence directed at men. For example, compared to men, women were:

*six times more likely to report being sexually assaulted
*five times more likely to report being choked
*five times more likely to require medical attention, as a result of an assault
*three times more likely to be physically injured by an assault
*more than twice as likely to report being beaten
*almost twice as likely to report being threatened with, or having a gun or knife used against them
*much more likely to fear for their lives, or be afraid for their children as a result of the violence
*more likely to have sleeping problems, suffer depression or anxiety attacks, or have lowered self-esteem as a result of being abused, and
*more likely to report repeated victimization.