Research from Glasgow Caledonian University has shed light on the alarming rates of intimate partner violence experienced by gay and bisexual men in same-sex relationships. The study revealed that one in four men experienced violence, ranging from physical assault to rape and psychological abuse, from both casual and longer-term partners. Experts have called for more awareness and support services to help prevent future generations from facing the same problems.
Dr. Edgar Rodriguez-Dorans, a counselor and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, explained that many gay men’s lives have been “hyper-sexualized,” creating a dynamic where they are unsure whether they want to engage in sexual activity. This confusion can lead to problems with consent, where victims may feel that they are obligated to engage in sexual activity when they do not want to. Rodriguez-Dorans explained that many of his clients who have experienced sexual abuse take up to 20 years to seek help because they do not see themselves as objects of abuse.
Misconceptions on masculinity can also be a barrier to support. Rodriguez-Dorans explained that men who perpetrate abuse may be dealing with internalized homophobia, shame, isolation from their families, and emotional illiteracy, which is quite widespread among men, regardless of their sexuality. These men may feel that exercising power against their partner asserts their masculinity.
Lead academics Prof Jamie Frankis and Dr Steven Maxwell have called the problem an “urgent public health issue,” emphasizing the detrimental impact of IPV on an individual’s health, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and suicidality. They hope their research will bridge the knowledge gap, increase public awareness, and lead to policy change at a national level.
Despite the force responding to all reports, Glasgow Caledonian University’s research highlighted that men with big muscular bodies may worry that “appearing ‘acceptably’ masculine” might make others doubt that they were victims of IPV. Det Ch Supt Sam Faulds of Police Scotland emphasized that tackling domestic abuse remains a significant priority, and the force recognizes that the definition of domestic abuse is not gender-specific.
Experts have called for increased training for police officers to recognize signs of domestic abuse in same-sex relationships, and improvements to support services to prevent future generations from facing the same problems. If these issues are not addressed, we will end up with generation after generation going down the same path.