The Violence Against Women Act, while predominantly associated with female victims, includes gender-neutral provisions for male survivors of domestic violence. Male victims frequently grapple with intense psychological shame and stigma due to societal norms surrounding masculinity, which often foster the belief that asking for help is a weakness. This internalized toxic masculinity leads to underreporting of abuse and delayed emotional responses. As a forensic clinician, I work to uncover the untold traumas of male survivors, requiring a compassionate understanding of their unique challenges within a cultural context that often disregards their pain.
The Violence Against Women Act, while named for women, includes provisions for all gendered victims, highlighting the need to challenge prevailing assumptions about male victimization.
Internalized toxic masculinity in male survivors leads to shame and silence around their abuse, often resulting in delayed recognition and emotional suppression.
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