Violence Against Men in Intimate Relationships

Abstract

In this introductory chapter we present the ambitions, objectives and structure of this book. We define what violence in intimate relationships is and offer some insight into the contemporary theoretical debates on violence in intimate relationships, as set out by sociologist Michael P. Johnson’s typologies about partner violence.

A qualitative study to investigate male victims’ experiences of female-perpetrated domestic abuse in Jordan

“…These are significant factors that contribute to an environment conducive to domestic violence (Abd Aziz et al, 2018;Kurz, 1989;Schwartz & DeKeseredy, 1993;Stark, 2010). Coercive control is considered an essential aspect of Johnson's intimate terrorism perspective, where intimate (or patriarchal) terrorism refers to domestic violence and spousal abuse that employs physical and/or sexual violence with diverse control strategies (e.g., emotional abuse, humiliation) used by the perpetrator to exert general control over his partner (Lien & Lorentzen, 2019). Lien and Lorentzen (2019) argued that mutual violent control and resistance in intimate relationships may hinder acceptance of women perpetrating violence against men.…”

“…Coercive control is considered an essential aspect of Johnson's intimate terrorism perspective, where intimate (or patriarchal) terrorism refers to domestic violence and spousal abuse that employs physical and/or sexual violence with diverse control strategies (e.g., emotional abuse, humiliation) used by the perpetrator to exert general control over his partner (Lien & Lorentzen, 2019). Lien and Lorentzen (2019) argued that mutual violent control and resistance in intimate relationships may hinder acceptance of women perpetrating violence against men. Men may use violence and physical superiority against their partners, not to control them, but to avoid being exposed to violence; however, this may be interpreted as violent resistance, leading to decisions that favor women.…”

“…It is important to consider the relational contexts in which violence takes place, and avoid viewing behaviors as separate from the circumstances because that leads to a false understanding (Dasgupta, 2002). Violence in marital relationships is a result of couples' dynamics; both husband and wife can contribute to domestic violence through argumentation, humiliation, manipulation, and blackmail (Lien & Lorentzen, 2019;Walby & Towers, 2018).…”

Jordanian Men's Experience of Emotional Abuse in Marital Relationships: The Role of Marriage Length and Motivation

“…Intimate partner violence (IPV) is mostly regarded as a gendered, heterosexual phenomenon that constitutes a significant social problem (Wright, 2016), and is framed within the context of human rights (Berthold, 2015). Violence in intimate relationships is referred to by various terms: wife abuse, wife battering, family violence, domestic violence, and gender-based abuse (Lien and Lorentzen, 2019). IPV is defined as any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to an individual (World Health Organization, 2002).…”

“…In society, men generally receive less recognition as IPV victims than women (Wright, 2016 ). Men may not report the emotional abuse perpetrated by women for the following reasons: a) the fact that violence toward men in intimate relationships is contrary to gender stereotypes (Steinmetz, 1977 ; Pagelow, 1983 ; Lien and Lorentzen, 2019 ) where men are socialized to tolerate and justify violence and to remain silent about it (Wright, 2016 ), b) the social stigma of being a male victim, and c) to protect their standards of masculinity (Migliaccio, 2001 ). Thus, society has treated this issue either with selective inattention or has dismissed it (Steinmetz, 1977 ), leading to the marginalization of male IPV victims (Wright, 2016 ).…”