Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to a range of abusive behaviours which occur within intimate relationships or between family members. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, gender and sexuality. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial and it is rarely a one off event. Domestic violence is often on going and tends to get worse over time as patterns of bullying, manipulative and controlling behaviour escalate.
Men are reportedly victims in over third of domestic violence incidents. Determining the exact proportion of male victims is difficult because they may be more reluctant to come forward and report it. We also know that in cases of domestic violence, regardless of the perpetrator, the male partner is often removed from the home and that violence against men may be considered to be less serious or in some way more acceptable.
Nearly three quarters of domestic violence incidents reported in the 2010 British Crime Survey were perpetrated by men. There is no denying that men can be perpetrators of domestic violence with many experiencing some form of psychological disorder compounded by associated problems like drug and alcohol abuse, anger and aggression, and risk taking.
Men are reportedly victims in over third of domestic violence incidents. Determining the exact proportion of male victims is difficult because they may be more reluctant to come forward and report it. We also know that in cases of domestic violence, regardless of the perpetrator, the male partner is often removed from the home and that violence against men may be considered to be less serious or in some way more acceptable.
Nearly three quarters of domestic violence incidents reported in the 2010 British Crime Survey were perpetrated by men. There is no denying that men can be perpetrators of domestic violence with many experiencing some form of psychological disorder compounded by associated problems like drug and alcohol abuse, anger and aggression, and risk taking.
Abused man
(A poem by Robert Mackerill)
Someone asked me once
What’s it like being a man and being beaten and controlled?
Well first guilt sets in
As if it’s your fault
Then comes the pain and tears
Then comes the utter shame
And complete loss and understanding
Next you question yourself
Then you start keeping secrets
Just little ones to start with
Just to keep the peace
As things get worse the secrets get bigger
Each day becomes a dread
Not sure what or how to get out of this
Then you convince yourself she is only doing it cos she loves you
Then you start to think this is wrong
But you’re scared to mention it to anyone
Their gunna laugh at me call me a joke
Women don’t beat men that’s what their will say
You’re weak, pathetic
The one day you get the guts to speak out
Your surprised most people knew but couldn’t do anything till you was ready
Their give you an escape route
Those first few months afterwards are hell
You blame yourself
You constantly ask why but knowing no answer
Admitting it never gets easier
Just able to cope and accept it
Scared
(A poem by Robert Mackerill)
I am scared
Scared of what I have done
What I know I can do
I am scared
Of me
Of them
Of the different people I can be
A murder
A lethal weapon
A lost child
A dyeing comrade inside
Scared to show the real me
Scared to put my heart on the line
This life has shat on me too much
I don’t know if I can keep going
I fucking hate theses scared days
I hate that I am a lost soul
I hate me period!!
(A poem by Robert Mackerill)
Someone asked me once
What’s it like being a man and being beaten and controlled?
Well first guilt sets in
As if it’s your fault
Then comes the pain and tears
Then comes the utter shame
And complete loss and understanding
Next you question yourself
Then you start keeping secrets
Just little ones to start with
Just to keep the peace
As things get worse the secrets get bigger
Each day becomes a dread
Not sure what or how to get out of this
Then you convince yourself she is only doing it cos she loves you
Then you start to think this is wrong
But you’re scared to mention it to anyone
Their gunna laugh at me call me a joke
Women don’t beat men that’s what their will say
You’re weak, pathetic
The one day you get the guts to speak out
Your surprised most people knew but couldn’t do anything till you was ready
Their give you an escape route
Those first few months afterwards are hell
You blame yourself
You constantly ask why but knowing no answer
Admitting it never gets easier
Just able to cope and accept it
Scared
(A poem by Robert Mackerill)
I am scared
Scared of what I have done
What I know I can do
I am scared
Of me
Of them
Of the different people I can be
A murder
A lethal weapon
A lost child
A dyeing comrade inside
Scared to show the real me
Scared to put my heart on the line
This life has shat on me too much
I don’t know if I can keep going
I fucking hate theses scared days
I hate that I am a lost soul
I hate me period!!
