Help seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse: an example of an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence defining methodological terms

Abstract

Background Domestic violence and abuse is a violation of human rights which damages the health and wellbeing of victims, their families and their friends. There has been less research on the experiences and support needs of male victims than those of women. Historically research on men’s experiences has not focused on what constitutes effective, needs-led service provision. The aim of this paper was to conduct an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence on the topic of help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse. Methods An integrated mixed methods synthesis approach was taken to enhance our understanding of the complex phenomenon of help seeking by, and service provision to male victims. This process also identifies gaps in the evidence. Using previously identified systematic review data; mixed methods data from four primary-level service evaluation studies, along with expert and patient consultation were used to develop research propositions. Primary-level qualitative interview and survey data from 12 studies of men experiences were mapped onto the propositions to support them. Results Fourteen propositions were composed. Seven propositions were supported or at least partly supported by the qualitative data. These supported propositions were used to make recommendations for policy and practice particularly concerning service preferences of male victims. The remaining seven propositions were not specifically supported by the qualitative data. These unsupported propositions were used to develop research recommendations concerning the need to further understand the potential blurred boundaries of victim–perpetrator, hybrid perpetrator-victim experiences, men who are/have been victims of childhood sexual abuse and determining the level of risk for men. They also highlight the need to produce better guidance for the response of the police & the criminal justice system. Finally, they highlight the need to produce the most appropriate service for men in terms of access, linkage, substance/alcohol abuse, mental health, sexuality, and race. Conclusion Integrated mixed-methods synthesis of systematic review evidence is a relatively novel approach. This approach can lead to recommendations for policy and practice as well as highlighting gaps in the research agenda as shown in this example.

Men’s experiences of help‐seeking for female‐perpetrated intimate partner violence: A qualitative exploration

“…The men's accounts suggest that not knowing about the aims of counselling was a barrier to accessing and engaging with this form of support (Brown et al, 2019;Millar, 2003). These accounts highlight the importance of increasing understanding of support services amongst male victims in an attempt to reduce stigma and misunderstanding (Huntley et al, 2020). Evidence from research with women suggests that enhanced knowledge of support services is associated with greater support utilisation (Kaukinen et al, 2013).…”

“…The authors also recommended the need to facilitate confidentiality and privacy, as well as providing an individual approach and continuity of care to the service user. Whilst these findings provide useful recommendations for the development of policy and practice, the authors call for further research that enhances understanding of the specific experiences and needs of male victims, including barriers to support utilisation and the development of needs-led service provisions (Huntley et al, 2020).…”

“…However, the nature, source and manner in which help is offered may influence men's openness to seeking help (Huntley et al, 2019;Pollard, 2016), with some evidence suggesting that men react more positively to psychotherapy given its emphasis on promoting autonomy and selfreliance (Berger et al, 2013). Nonetheless, there remains a need to further develop male-friendly approaches to mental health services which facilitate the expression of emotional distress and challenge gender stereotypes (Brown et al, 2019;Emslie et al, 2007), in order to effectively meet the needs of men and overcome barriers to helpseeking (Huntley et al, 2020;Liddon et al, 2019).…”

“…Following a synthesis of systematic review evidence on helpseeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse, Huntley et al (2020) outlined recommendations to effectively support male victims, including the need to enhance awareness and visibility of IPV services for men in order to aid access. The authors also recommended the need to facilitate confidentiality and privacy, as well as providing an individual approach and continuity of care to the service user.…”

“…As support services for male victims evolve (Huntley et al, 2020), with growing recognition of gender-specific experiences and barriers to accessing support (Bates & Douglas, 2020;Hogan et al, 2012;Wallace et al, 2019a), there remains a need to further develop a nuanced understanding of male victims' experiences with (Huntley et al, 2020;Morgan et al, 2014) and perceptions of support services in order to better assist male IPV victims (Barrett et al, 2020;Bates, 2020;Powney & Graham-Kevan, 2019;Tsui et al, 2010). Furthermore, Hine et al (2020) outline the need for research that investigates men's experiences of informal and indirect help-seeking from friends and family.…”