Characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Experienced by a Sample of Portuguese Men.

Abstract

International research has established that men can be victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). In Portugal, this phenomenon has not yet received scientific or social attention, although since the 1990s, IPV has been acknowledged as a notable problem. An online cross-sectional study was conducted with 89 heterosexual men who, after completing the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, identified themselves as victims of IPV. We examined the prevalence of IPV, its context, its perceived impact, men's reactions after an episode of violence, men's perceived motives for the partner's aggressive behavior, and reasons that prevented men from leaving the abusive relationship. The results revealed many similarities to the findings in the literature on female victims and are discussed in terms of their practical implications. Increased knowledge of this underreported phenomenon is vital to the development of suitable policies and support services.