I know it’s a Pink October and all, but can we discuss the other major awareness this month? October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  And while we often think of a woman being beaten by her man, there’s a flip side to that: Men who suffer in silence while being abused by their women!

Typically, domestic violence is not the description used when talking about a one-time incident.  According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Usually, women who stay in these types of relationships do so out of fear of what would happen if they left. They also question how they would take care of themselves, their children, etc. But why do men stay?

Some are ashamed to admit they’ve been abused. Others suffer from low self-esteem. Even more stay because of financial reasons and religious beliefs (i.e. “You stay and work it out.”).  But one reason for staying is said to be love! The victim simply loves the abuser and wants to maintain the relationship. Read more reasons for staying here.

Whatever the case, just as it’s never ok for a man to put his hands on a woman, it’s never ok for a woman to put her hands on a man.  I while back, I shared my story about when I hit the man with whom I was involved.  Thankfully, he didn’t hit me back.  But if he had, he would have been justified.

If you or someone you know is being abused at the hands of someone who claims to love him/her, know that there is assistance available.  No one should suffer in silence, not even men!

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