“I Have Guys Call Me and Say ‘I Can’t Be the Victim of Domestic Abuse’”: Exploring the Experiences of Telephone Support Providers for Male Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse

Donovan C., Barnes R.

Despite growing research into domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGB and/or T) people’s relationships, LGB and/or T people remain largely invisible in DVA policy and practice. Research evidence indicates that they primarily seek help from privatised sources such as counsellors/therapists and friends. The gap in knowledge about LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking reflects and reinforces the success of neoliberal trends in privatising social problems by promoting self-care and individual responsibility. Using qualitative data from a mixed-methods UK study, this article offers an ecological analysis of LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking decisions and barriers, demonstrating how cisgendered heteronormativity and LGBT invisibility permeate help-seeking at individual, interpersonal and socio-cultural levels. The conclusion argues for LGBT DVA to be recognised as a social problem rather than a private trouble. Recommendations are offered for necessary steps towards better recognising and supporting LGB and/or T victims/survivors.

Laskey P., Bates E.A., Taylor J.C.

The traditional view of intimate partner violence (IPV) is that the perpetrator is male and the victim is female (Dobash, Dobash, Wilson & Daly, 1992). As a result of this, most research into victimisation experiences appears to be conducted with female victims of IPV (Morin, 2014), and research with male victims, and victims from the LGBTQ+ community is less common. The main aim of the current research was to conduct a systematic literature review to synthesise the literature base of IPV victimisation experiences to ascertain how abuse is experienced, and the effects of that abuse. The secondary aim was to investigate the prevalence of different victim groups, across gender and sexuality, in current research studies. The review highlighted that victims of IPV experience several different types of abuse and the negative mental and physical health outcomes associated with that abuse are significant. Additionally, it was found that the large majority of research studies included in the review were conducted with female victims in opposite-sex relationships, and were quantitative and cross-sectional in nature. The implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are put forward.

Bates E.A.

Research has demonstrated the prevalence of men's victimization of intimate partner violence (e.g., Archer, 2000; Bates, Graham-Kevan, & Arthcer, 2014) and more recently there has been qualitative work to highlight the severity and impact of their experiences. Little research has explored how the abuse continues or changes once the couple have separated. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore men's experiences of abuse post-separation and the barriers they experience to help-seeking. Interviews were done with a sample of 13 men and were analyzed thematically (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Results revealed that their experience of IPV continued post-separation through harassment, false allegations and manipulation of the parental relationship. This abuse often continued, and in some cases escalated, for some time after the relationship broke down. Some men described parental alienation experiences and having had their relationship with their children manipulated or withheld completely. These experiences were impactful and left men with mental health issues, living in fear, or having affected the development of a new relationship. Findings are discussed within the context of current policy and practice within the United Kingdom.

Huntley A.L., Potter L., Williamson E., Malpass A., Szilassy E., Feder G.

ObjectivesTo understand help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and their experiences of support services by systematically identifying qualitative and mixed-method studies and thematically synthesising their findings.DesignSystematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. Searches were conducted in 12 databases and the grey literature with no language or date restrictions. Quality appraisal of the studies was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Reviewers extracted first and second order constructs related to help-seeking, identified themes and combined them by interpretative thematic synthesis.SettingDVA experienced by male victims and defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse among people aged 18 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.ParticipantsMale victims of DVA.InterventionsAny intervention which provides practical and/or psychological support to male victims of DVA including but not limited to DVA-specific services, primary healthcare and sexual health clinics.Primary and secondary outcome measuresQualitative data describing help-seeking experiences and interactions with support services of male victims of domestic violenceResultsWe included twelve studies which were published between 2006 and 2017. We grouped nine themes described over two phases (a)barriers to help-seeking: fear of disclosure, challenge to masculinity, commitment to relationship, diminished confidence/despondency and invisibility/perception of services; and (b)experiences of interventions and support: initial contact, confidentiality, appropriate professional approaches and inappropriate professional approaches.ConclusionThe recent publication of the primary studies suggests a new interest in the needs of male DVA victims. We have confirmed previously identified barriers to help-seeking by male victims of DVA and provide new insight into barriers and facilitators to service provision.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016039999.

Wallace S., Wallace C., Kenkre J., Brayford J., Borja S.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the needs of men experiencing domestic abuse from the perspective of the professionals supporting them. Design/methodology/approach An all Wales qualitative study, 20 semi-structured interviews were completed with managers and practitioners of domestic abuse services supporting men. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Analysis identified six themes: against the tide of recognition, a need to recognise and accept domestic abuse, knowledge of provision, low numbers of men, resources (time and funding) and rebuilding. However, against the tide of recognition was central. Domestic abuse is understood as a heteronormative and gendered experience; abused men defy these notions. Research limitations/implications Findings cannot be generalised across the UK. This study offers a valuable base on which to build future knowledge. Future research might consider recruiting larger samples or follow up qualitative findings with a larger quantitative survey. Practical implications This paper presents the manager and practitioner views of the service needs and solutions for men. They perceive that abused men need to recognise and accept victimisation, have knowledge of provision and know it is acceptable to seek help and receive practical support. Social implications Increasing recognition cannot be achieved in isolation. A shared commitment is required from policy, practice and research to raise the agenda for abused men. Originality/value This is an under-researched area. This paper is the first to explore the needs of men through the lens of domestic abuse professionals.

Bates E.A.

Wallace S., Wallace C., Kenkre J., Brayford J., Borja S.

This study determines the needs of men experiencing domestic abuse from an intimate partner. In-depth interviews with 6 men who sought support are analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Four master themes (interpreted as needs) are identified from analysis, “recognition” (of male victims and the impact), “safety,” “accepting domestic abuse,” and “rebuilding.” A need for recognition is identified as the dominant theme influencing the capacity for the 3 remaining needs to be met. Domestic abuse is generally understood to be a gendered, heteronormative experience. Abused men are not acknowledged as “typical” victims. The lack of recognition prevented participants from accepting and recognizing their victimization resulting in delayed help-seeking and prolonged abuse. A joint commitment is required from policy and practice to raise the profile of abused men, challenge wider society's prevailing norms, and embed equal status for all victims.

Hine B.A.

Bates E.A.

Bates E.A., Klement K.R., Kaye L.K., Pennington C.R.

The present commentary explores the impact of gender role stereotypes on perceptions of both intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence. Two papers published in this issue of Sex Roles explored the influence of gender stereotypes on both IPV (Bates et al. 2019) and rape myths (Klement et al. 2019). An overarching theme of these papers is how gender stereotypes may influence incorrect beliefs in how we view and approach interventions to these two types of violence. Reflecting on this convergence, we have come together as authors to consider how influential and damaging these stereotypes can be to victims of both partner violence and sexual violence. Our paper considers the nature of these stereotypes, who is harmed by them considering both gender and sexuality, and also the impact they have in societal and service responses to violence, as well as policy and practice development.

Barnes R., Donovan C.

Weare S.

AbstractThe existing legal definition of rape in England and Wales is gendered, only recognising men as offenders. The law also only recognises as victims of rape those who are penetrated by a penis, either vaginally, anally or orally. This therefore excludes the female perpetrator–male victim paradigm, and more specifically those cases where male victims are ‘forced to penetrate’ female perpetrators. This paper argues that consideration needs to be given to legally recognising and thus labelling forced-to-penetrate cases as rape. Applying a methodology that draws upon the lived experiences of male victims, it is argued that there are significant similarities between compelled-penetration cases and those cases legally recognised as rape, not only because they both involve non-consensual penile penetration, but because there are clear similarities in the aggressive strategies used by perpetrators and the subsequent harms experienced by victims.

Bacchus L., Buller A., Ferrari G., Peters T., Devries K., Sethi G., White J., Hester M., Feder G.

Summary This cross-sectional survey measured adult experience and perpetration of negative and potentially abusive behaviours with partners and its associations with mental and sexual health problems, drug and alcohol abuse in gay and bisexual men attending a UK sexual health service. Of 532 men, 33.9% (95% CI: 29.4-37.9) experienced and 16.3% (95% CI: 13.0-19.8) reported carrying out negative behaviour. Ever being frightened of a partner (aOR 2.5; 95% CI: 2.0–3.1) and having to ask a partner’s permission (aOR 2.7; 95% CI: 1.6–4.7) were associated with increased odds of being anxious. There were increased odds of cannabis use in the last 12 months amongst men who reported ever being physically hurt (aOR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7–3.6). Being frightened (aOR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.5–3.2), being physically hurt (aOR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4–3.8), being forced to have sex (aOR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–4.9) and experiencing negative behaviour in the last 12 months (aOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.5) were associated with increased odds of using a Class A drugs in the last 12 months. Sexual health practitioners should be trained with regards to the risk indicators associated with domestic violence and abuse, how to ask about domestic violence and abuse and refer to support.

Calton J.M., Cattaneo L.B., Gebhard K.T.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and devastating social problem that is estimated to occur in one of every four opposite-sex relationships and at least one of every five same-sex romantic relationships. These estimates may not represent violence against those who identify as transgender or genderqueer, and very little comprehensive research has been conducted on IPV within these populations. One statewide study on IPV found rates of IPV were as high as one of every two transgender individuals. In order to cope with the effects of abuse or leave an abusive partner, many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and genderqueer (LGBTQ) IPV survivors seek support from others. However, LGBTQ IPV survivors may experience unique difficulties related to their sexual orientation and gender identity when seeking assistance. This article reviews the literature on LGBTQ IPV and suggests three major barriers to help-seeking exist for LGBTQ IPV survivors: a limited understanding of the problem of LGBTQ IPV, stigma, and systemic inequities. The significance and consequences of each barrier are discussed, and suggestions for future research, policy, and practice are provided.

Bates E.A., Graham-Kevan N.

The aim of this study was to test 2 of Johnson’s (1995) assumptions regarding intimate partner violence (IPV), namely, that there are sex differences in the type of physical aggression men and women use and that controlling aggression is more problematic and requires more outside intervention than noncontrolling aggression. These assumptions were tested using survey data from the 13th cycle of the General Social Survey in Canada, which was a telephone survey that asked crime victimization questions in several areas. There were no sex differences in the use of controlling behavior or physical aggression. Controlling aggression did not have an effect on problem presentation when compared with relationships low in controlling behaviors. There was mixed support for Johnson’s work and the utility of his typology is questioned.

Pilkington V., Bendall S., Rice S., Salter M., Wilson M.J., Seidler Z.

Disclosing sexual trauma can support recovery and healing for victim-survivors. Despite evidence indicating low disclosure rates and long disclosure delays in sexual trauma-exposed boys and men, little is known about factors impacting disclosure in this group. A systematic review was conducted to consolidate evidence surrounding barriers, facilitators, and predictors of disclosure likelihood and timing in boys and men following sexual trauma (i.e., sexual abuse, assaults, and coercion). Disclosure included formal reporting, help-seeking, and discussions with social supports. Four electronic databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Medline) were searched and 69 articles (42 qualitative, 25 quantitative, two mixed-methods) were included, representing 10,517 sexual trauma-exposed boys and men and 297 supports of sexual trauma-exposed boys and men (e.g., police, mental health practitioners). Barriers and facilitators were mapped according to levels of the social ecology. Boys’ and men’s understanding of, and responses to, sexual trauma were informed by perceived masculine norm violations and minimal public acknowledgement and validation of their trauma. These factors were compounded by a dearth of appropriate supports and practitioner knowledge. Assessed predictors of disclosure outcomes were highly variable, indicating limited theoretical understanding of factors likely to impact disclosure and need for greater methodological rigor and integration of theory into this domain. Scholarship remains biased towards disclosure barriers, with little emphasis on strengths-based factors that support help-seeking. Findings highlight impacts of gender socialisation processes on long-term experiences of sexual trauma. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed, including need for greater awareness and support for sexual trauma-exposed boys and men.

Scothorne H., Tzani C., Ioannou M., Lester D., Rogers L., Vaughan Williams T.J., Synnott J., Darmanin G.

Sarac E., Odabas D.

Economic violence is a form of domestic violence that extends beyond physical harm, affecting victims’ economic stability and independence. This situation perpetuates gender inequality and also reinforces the cycle of gender-based violence. With definitions of economic violence broadening to encompass a range of coercive and manipulative behaviors - from financial abuse in domestic violence scenarios to the economic harassment faced by stay-at-home moms - understanding this form of exploitation is crucial for crafting effective interventions. This article aims to delve into various facets of economic violence, including its definition, prevalence, and the stark realities it creates for its victims. Following the search of international databases: Social Work Abstracts (EBSCO), Psychology Abstracts, Family and Women Studies Worldwide, Psychiatry Online, Psych INFO (including Psych ARTICLES), PubMed, Wiley, and Scopus, 60 peer-reviewed articles that met all inclusion criteria were included in the paper. Our review clarifies that looking forward, the call for a comprehensive understanding of economic violence, enhanced legal frameworks, and the strengthening of supportive networks underscore the multidisciplinary approach required to combat this issue effectively.

Lysova A., Dim E.E.

Schemmel J., Maciey D., Goede L.

We present data on intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, perpetration, and victim–offender overlap in Germany, focusing on the impact of parental violence. We collected a sample using a register-based procedure where 183 randomly selected municipalities provided the addresses of 12,000 randomly selected men aged 18 to 69. Out of these men, a total N of 1,209 answered questions on their experiences with IPV and parental violence as children. In our sample, lifetime prevalences of IPV victimization ranged from 5.4% (sexual violence) to 39.8% (psychological violence), and 12-month prevalences ranged from 2.8% (digital violence) to 25.1% (coercive control). The sample’s corresponding lifetime prevalences of IPV perpetration ranged between 2.3% (digital violence) and 33.4% (psychological violence). Overall, there was a victim–offender overlap of 39.5%, which was particularly pronounced for non-physical IPV (psychological: 23.6%; coercive control: 20.3%). Offending only was most frequently reported for coercive control (18.4%). Across the different IPV types, victimization was consistently associated with verbal parental violence in childhood. Being victimized by verbal parental violence and witnessing violence between parents were predictive of later being involved in psychological violence as a victim-only or as both a victim and offender. Being a victim of physical parental violence in childhood more than doubled the odds of being a victim–offender of physical IPV, and increased the odds of becoming an offender-only of sexual IPV. These findings suggest that distinguishing clearly between victim and offender is often challenging in IPV research and reaffirm the well-established link between parental violence and IPV in the context of IPV against men.

Sun J., Lin R., Wang S., Huang Y., Lam S.T., Wang N., Zhao Y., Guo H., He Y., Peng H., Chen H., Wang X.

Background: Prison correctional personnel often experience increased workplace violence (WPV) and higher risk of suicide, but the link between the two is not yet clear. This study aims to explore the specific mediating variables and mediating paths between WPV and suicide. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 472 Chinese correctional personnel conducted through an online survey. We used the Workplace Violence Scale (WVS), the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), the Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the revised Beck Suicidal Ideation scale (BSI) to quantify the WPV experienced by subjects and their mental health status. Data analysis, including mediation and network analysis, was performed using SPSS and R software. Results: Presence of insomnia and/or depression mediated the relationship between WPV and suicide risk, which accounted for 36.62% of the total effect. Insomnia alone accounted for 9.87%, depression alone accounted for 12.73%, whereas both put together accounted for 14.03%. Male personnel experienced more WPV than their female counterparts, and WPV in men had a stronger association with suicide risk. Network analysis indicated that daytime dysfunction and downheartedness were important nodes in mediating pathways. Conclusions: Experiencing WPV may lead to an increased risk of suicide among correctional personnel, particularly men, with insomnia and depression mediating the experienced risk. Correctional institutions should take measures to reduce the occurrence of WPV experienced by correctional personnel mitigate the impact of this occupational hazard, and prioritise the mental health of correctional personnel, particularly those already experiencing worrying symptoms.

Tokgöz Kekeç H., Dikmen H.A.

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to examine the effects of emotional violence experienced by fathers from their partners in the postpartum period on fathers' depression level and father–infant attachment. The data of this descriptive and correlational study were collected from 350 fathers of infants aged 3–12 months in the postpartum period. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Paternal–Infant Attachment Questionnaire (PIAQ). The independent‐sample t‐test, the chi‐square test, Fisher's Exact Test, the Fisher Freeman Halton test and Linear Regression were used for the data analyzes. The rate of emotional violence experienced by the fathers was 43%. Fathers who were exposed to emotional violence by their spouses had higher EPDS total scores (p = 0.001), while their PIAQ total scores (p = 0.001) were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.01). A weak and statistically significant correlation was found between EPDS total scores and PIAQ total scores (r = –0.357, p = 0.001). According to linear regression analysis, the effect of emotional violence on fathers' depression level (p < 0.001) and father–infant attachment level (p < 0.001) was statistically significant. Health professionals should identify the perpetrators and victims of violence and refer them to relevant rehabilitative resources for the welfare of families and newborns.

Hine B., Roy E.M., Huang C., Bates E.

Background: Family breakdown, separation, and divorce (FBSD) are often traumatic events, particularly for fathers who face unique challenges. These include emotional, psychological, and financial struggles, often exacerbated by abusive behaviours from ex-partners. This study explores fathers’ experiences of FBSD, focusing on both the breakdown event itself and any abuse, including coercive control and parental alienation, before and after the separation. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey of 141 men and follow-up interviews with 30 participants. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to FBSD and associated abuse. Results: Fathers reported significant emotional, psychological, and financial distress, with many experiencing ongoing abuse and coercive control after separation. Abuse often continued through legal processes and manipulation of child access. Parental alienation emerged as a prominent form of post-separation abuse, with fathers describing attempts by ex-partners to undermine their relationships with their children. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for gender-inclusive services that address the specific challenges fathers face during and after FBSD, particularly in relation to post-separation abuse. Targeted interventions are necessary to support fathers’ well-being and ensure their continued involvement in their children’s lives.

Waugh C.

Garro M., Bonfanti R.C., Argento A., Ruggieri S.

Over the years, there has been increasing interest in violence against women and its significant effects on victims. However, there has been comparatively little interest regarding violence against men and its effects within the workplace. This is despite the fact that scholarly research has highlighted the frequency of this phenomenon, further exacerbated by the poor functioning of support services, which intensifies distress among male victims. The present review focused on examining publications indexed in bibliographic databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) from the years 2012–2023 to comprehend the contemporary landscape of academic literature concerning violence against men, along with its implications within the workplace. A total of 20 studies met inclusion criteria, and all selected papers focused on male victims of violence were included in this review. The results highlight the significant presence of male victims within the context of gender-based violence and harassment, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. This literature review additionally highlights that social representation and gender stereotypes seem to contribute to the low demand for intervention by victims and the imbalance in their effects on the public and practitioners. Moreover, the results underscore the intricate and profound repercussions of violence against men within the workplace. This review, offering an overview of existing research in this field, emphasizes the necessity for future research to enhance understanding of quantitative methodologies and to facilitate specialized training for practitioners. Hence, it becomes imperative to actively identify interventions tailored to safeguarding the well-being of male victims of violence.

Burton S., Workman A.

The social network that fights domestic violence is flourishing in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In the 1970s, women’s safety advocates were a small group of feminists operating on minimal budgets. Today, the domestic violence industry has grown on federal and state monies. Domestic violence as an industry is responsible for advocacy, policy development, government initiatives, setting standards of care, resource deployment, and interventions and assistance standards for victims and offenders. The domestic violence industry has gone “unchecked” and “unregulated” in many nation-states, with many individuals (responsible for grassroots advocacy) not being accounted for, as the cultural understandings of domestic violence have created hidden identities and rendered entire populations invisible. This chapter links critical Whiteness theory and the many forgotten identities in the representation of domestic violence in Australia. Typically, domestic violence is portrayed as a White, nondisabled, heterosexual, cisgender woman as a victim at the hands of a White, nondisabled, heterosexual, cisgender man. The representation has, to the detriment of other experiences, ensured these hidden identities remain hidden. As such, more robust and inclusive discussions on disability, First Nations people, people of color, religiously diverse people, gender and sexuality diverse people, and heterosexual men will be discussed. We close this chapter with crucial areas for consideration in managerialism or domestic violence as an industry and practical recommendations on how Whiteness in domestic violence perpetuates discrimination and misrepresentation and exacerbates the vulnerability of these forgotten identities.

Flores A., Charak R.

AbstractIt is generally understood that individuals who experience exposure to parental violence (EPV) during childhood may come to perpetrate violence, but not all will. Research has shown that individuals who experience EPV can model maladaptive modes of problem‐solving that can later be seen in sibling relationships as aggression. This can lead to a heightened risk of adulthood intimate partner violence perpetration (IPV). This study aimed to examine the mediating role of proactive and reactive sibling aggression in the associations of three forms of childhood EPV—violence directed from mother‐to‐father, father‐to‐mother, bidirectional—and perpetration of sexual and physical IPV types during adulthood. Participants were 322 emerging adults in the age range 18–29 years (M = 24.69, SD = 2.91; 182 female) recruited online via Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Findings indicated that our sample endorsed bidirectional EPV (41.3%), proactive sibling aggression (87.2%) and reactive sibling aggression (94.7%) in childhood. In adulthood, they endorsed physical IPV (20.8%) and sexual IPV (22.7%). The mediation model indicated that those who had bidirectional EPV were more likely to engage in proactive aggression, which was associated with engagement in physical perpetration of IPV, and sexual perpetration of IPV. Findings suggest the need for intervention programs during childhood in those with exposure to parental violence and sibling proactive aggression.

Burton S., Workman A.

The social network that fights domestic violence is flourishing in Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. In the 1970s, women’s safety advocates were a small group of feminists operating on minimal budgets. Today, the domestic violence industry has grown on federal and state monies. Domestic violence as an industry is responsible for advocacy, policy development, government initiatives, setting standards of care, resource deployment, and interventions and assistance standards for victims and offenders. The domestic violence industry has gone “unchecked” and “unregulated” in many nation-states, with many individuals (responsible for grassroots advocacy) not being accounted for, as the cultural understandings of domestic violence have created hidden identities and rendered entire populations invisible. This chapter links critical Whiteness theory and the many forgotten identities in the representation of domestic violence in Australia. Typically, domestic violence is portrayed as a White, nondisabled, heterosexual, cisgender woman as a victim at the hands of a White, nondisabled, heterosexual, cisgender man. The representation has, to the detriment of other experiences, ensured these hidden identities remain hidden. As such, more robust and inclusive discussions on disability, First Nations people, people of color, religiously diverse people, gender and sexuality diverse people, and heterosexual men will be discussed. We close this chapter with crucial areas for consideration in managerialism or domestic violence as an industry and practical recommendations on how Whiteness in domestic violence perpetuates discrimination and misrepresentation and exacerbates the vulnerability of these forgotten identities.

Perryman S.M.

Background: Health visitors have a key role in supporting and protecting adults and children affected by domestic abuse. Aims: The study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of student health visitors recognising and responding to domestic abuse in practice placement settings. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five student health visitors in the United Kingdom. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: Four superordinate themes were identified: ‘part and parcel of health visiting practice’; ‘challenges in identifying domestic abuse’; ‘uncertainty and apprehension’; ‘strengthening knowledge and confidence’. All participants had engaged in practice activities related to domestic abuse within SCPHN placements, commonly expressing a sense of disbelief at the scale of the issue in practice. Difficulties and unease regarding identification and management of domestic abuse were reported. Access to support and opportunities to reflect and ‘talk things through’ were found to be important for students regarding this sphere of practice. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the body of knowledge about domestic abuse-related practice within nursing. Recommendations made may contribute to practice development and help inform future teaching and educational strategies within SCPHN programmes.

FitzGerald S., Carline A.

This article offers a discourse analysis of domestic abuse's ‘Man Problem’ by combining and developing Naffine's, Foucault's and Bacchi's work in a new way. Taking the parliamentary debates around the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in England and Wales as our focus, we critique how MPs problematise gender to justify a gender-neutral definition of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). We illustrate how MPs reframe DVA's ‘man problem’ not as the problem of men as perpetrators of violence against women. But rather, they represent the law and policy ‘problem’ as men's invisibility as victims of DVA. We develop a new theoretical innovation to advance our critique: discursive co-option, and we uncover two gender paradoxes. We argue that MPs co-opt gender equality discourses to advance masculinist politics and patriarchal logics in ways that have detrimental effects for the less powerful, and which elide the reality of women's experiences of DVA.