{"id":483,"date":"2022-07-01T08:43:01","date_gmt":"2022-07-01T12:43:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nickdrossos.com\/blogue\/?p=483"},"modified":"2023-03-05T13:56:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-05T18:56:30","slug":"male-domestic-violence-i-never-thought-it-would-happen-to-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nickdrossos.com\/blogs\/male-domestic-violence-i-never-thought-it-would-happen-to-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Male Domestic Violence: I Never Thought It Would Happen To Me"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cCome on, fight me! Hit me! Let\u2019s see how tough you really are! Do you actually think I am afraid of you?\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

She began to push me harder and harder and would not let me leave the room. I am a world-renowned self-defense expert and an influential male figure. Could this be happening to me? The existence of domestic violence is within the paradigm of what I teach. How is this possible? The irony was profound.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 men has experienced violence from an intimate partner, 1 in 7 have endured severe brutality such as burning, beating, or strangulation, and 1 in 13 men are killed by their partners.<\/b><\/p>\n

I never fathomed that I would publicly divulge this via a personal blog, if ever. Discussing intimate partner violence has implications – especially as a male and a fitness guru synonymous with physical and mental strength. The risk is monumental, as my professional and personal reputation risked scrutiny. The purpose of this confession of sorts is about honoring men\u2019s rights groups and, most critically, acknowledging the domination of male intimate partner violence to empower men, not to stay silent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s my narrative on domestic abuse and gendered violence. Not unlike Johnny Depp, I hope to set a precedence by using my voice to fight back. His trial became my own trial. It was more than a gripping look into the convoluted nature of domestic violence and volatile relationships; it was also personal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Male Experience:<\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s imperative to begin by clarifying just what constitutes ways in which men are abused and how they are uniquely affected. Studies reveal emotional abuse is typically a sensitive topic among men. Choice words, such as coward, failure, or impotent, are perfectly selected to penetrate the psyche of men. These cutting words often crush the effects of physical abuse – sabotaging a man\u2019s self-worth. A male will not typically self-identify as a victim, downplaying or repressing their demeaning experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite societal efforts, gender generalizations are not only alarming, but they are also destructive. They signify that men cannot be the victims of domestic abuse; the idea is often ridiculed or ignored. The ugly truth is male domestic abuse is not taken seriously – and the less we expose it, the less men will reveal it. Justifiably, the narrative hones in on violence against women – more explicit – men abusing women, but simultaneously, there is another harrowing scenario. Enter Johnny Depp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence is a Man\u2019s Issue:<\/b><\/p>\n

Rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, street harassment, stalking, domestic and dating violence, sex trafficking, and sexual exploitations have historically been defined and perceived as women\u2019s issues. They have reflected this as we constantly strive for women\u2019s empowerment – justifiably. In creating a dialogue and awareness of male gender-based violence, it is not to diminish the frequency and severity of what women have brutally endured and continue to brave. It\u2019s about identifying domestic violence against men and how to find help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does Domestic Violence Look like?<\/b><\/p>\n

You may be experiencing domestic violence if your partner does the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n