An exploration of the needs of men experiencing domestic abuse: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

This study aimed to determine the needs of men experiencing domestic abuse from an intimate partner. In-depth interviews with six men who had sought support were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Four master themes (interpreted as needs) were identified from analysis, ‘recognition (of male victims & the impact)’, ‘safety’, ‘accept the abusive experience’ and ‘rebuilding’. A need for recognition was identified as the dominant theme influencing the capacity for the three remaining needs to be met. Abused men are denied equal recognition and are not acknowledged as societies “typical” victim of domestic abuse. The lack of recognition prevented participants from accepting and recognising their victimisation, delaying help-seeking and prolonging abuse. A joint commitment is required from policy and practice to raise the profile of abused men, to challenge wider society’s prevailing norms and embed equal status for all victims.