Male Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Face Barriers to Support, SFU Study Finds

While public discourse around intimate partner violence (IPV) has increasingly highlighted the experiences of women, new research from Simon Fraser University reveals a troubling oversight: male survivors often go unsupported, largely due to a lack of services and persistent stigma. The study, published in the Journal of Family Violence, finds that men subjected to IPV frequently rely on avoidant coping strategies that can worsen their mental health, while systemic gaps in services continue to reinforce their invisibility.

Men Less Likely to Seek Help Due to Social Stigma

Drawing on national survey data from Statistics Canada’s General Social Survey on victimization, along with in-depth interviews with 16 male survivors, the research team found that men are significantly less likely than women to seek outside help after experiencing IPV. Many male participants reported denying the abuse, withdrawing from social relationships, or immersing themselves in work — behaviors that may delay or prevent them from accessing critical support services.

These coping strategies, while self-protective in the short term, often lead to compounding challenges such as substance misuse, depression, and increased emotional distress. The study’s co-author, criminology professor Alexandra Lysova, emphasized that these outcomes not only affect the well-being of survivors but may also escalate risks within the abusive relationship.

A Call for Gender-Inclusive Support Systems

The study highlights a significant shortfall in IPV resources: most public awareness campaigns, institutional training programs, and frontline protocols focus primarily on female survivors. While this remains essential—particularly given that women tend to experience more severe consequences, including representing 79% of intimate partner homicide victims—male survivors often remain unacknowledged and underserved.

Lysova argues that IPV should be addressed as a human issue, not only a gendered one. She notes that professionals such as healthcare workers, social service providers, and law enforcement officers often lack the training needed to recognize and respond to male survivors. In many cases, government reports and expanded services continue to focus almost exclusively on women, contributing to the continued invisibility of men’s experiences.

Why This Research Matters

The implications of overlooking male survivors extend beyond the individuals affected. When children witness IPV—regardless of who is harmed—it can increase the likelihood of future violence in adulthood. Supporting all survivors, Lysova contends, helps to mitigate these risks and fosters safer, healthier communities.

Addressing intimate partner violence in all its forms, regardless of gender, is essential to building a more inclusive and effective support system. This research calls for reframing the conversation to ensure no survivor is left without help.