| Although a great deal of the psychological literature has been devoted to the study of intimate partner violence (IPV), it has predominantly focused on the experiences of heterosexual females. Left largely absent from the discourse has been the experiences of male victims of IPV, both gay and heterosexual. The present study examined the lived experience and relationship history of male victims of IPV using a qualitative format, utilizing semi-structured interview questions, the Thematic Apperception Test, and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire to extrapolate information regarding similarities and differences among participants. Four major categories, the nature of IPV, the role of the family of origin, the influence of gender, and assertion of power and control, were delineated, along with 10 themes, six sub-themes, and five significant additional findings. Major themes, those endorsed by the most participants, included the following: abuse and violence perpetrated against men come in many forms; damaging impact of a history of divorce, dysfunction, and abuse in the family, poor relationships among participants and their parents; negative impact of relationship between violent intimate partner and their family of origin; dysfunctional first significant intimate relationships; negative impact of the failure to model successful relationships in the family of origin; injustice, gender symmetry, and the double standard contribute to the victimization of men; pursuing protection depended on gender; fostering isolation was a powerful means of controlling and exerting power over victims; manipulation was used to control victims. The findings are congruent with the limited literature on this topic, and the results of this study contribute to the literature by providing clinicians with more information regarding the mechanism by which men become victims of IPV so that clinicians can better tailor therapeutic interventions to address the needs of male victims. |
