Alliance Foundation News

When most of us think of domestic violence, we think about women and children. But men may be the lesser-known victims because stoicism often masks the pain and fear of lack of resources prevents them from getting help. Alliance Foundation shares tips and resources.

Men can be victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you love is suffering in silence, Alliance Foundation wants you to know there are resources available. You are not alone. For so many of us, Father's Day evokes memories of a fiercely protective family man. A man who would fight to ensure our safety. A man who would make sure we were provided for. Someone who was always in our corner, ensuring that we would never be alone.

Society has tended to view men as capable, strong, and confident. But statewide domestic violence statistics show that men are not immune to domestic violence.

A National Coalition Against Domestic Violence report from 2020 indicates that while 43.8% of Nevada women have experienced domestic violence, 32.8% of men have experienced domestic violence as well.

Nationally, 1 in 7 men have reported being physically abused through physical attacks, being burned, choked, or kicked. One in 10 men have experienced intimate partner attacks including rape and stalking resulting in the need for healthcare, help with post-traumatic stress disorder, and housing services. Nearly half of all men have experienced psychologically aggressive behavior, and just under half have experienced coercive control by a partner.

While organizations emphasizing battered women are leaders in battling domestic violence, men have been relegated to silent sufferers.

Stoic faces hide abuse, as men may feel embarrassed to admit what happens behind closed doors. But, they are not alone – and there are resources dedicated to male victims of domestic violence.

At Alliance Foundation, one of our missions is to connect men with local resources that allow them to escape the vicious cycle of abuse, because we believe that when people have access to safe shelter, nutritious food, and are emotionally supported, they thrive. And, all people deserve to thrive.

How can I help?
If you know someone who is being abused, HelpGuide.org suggests the following supportive actions.

• Listen to the victim and provide support.
• Remain non-judgmental but provide a safe place for them to share their experiences.
• Empower the victim to feel confident enough to reach out for help.
• In the state of Nevada, only mandated reporters are required to report abuse. If you are not a mandated reporter, please take care to ensure it is safe for you to report the abuse.
• Help them create a safety plan and continue to remain in their support system.

What can I do if I am a male victim of abuse?
If you are a male experiencing domestic abuse including verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation, threats to prevent you from being allowed to see your children, or physical abuse, you are not alone – and there is help.

• HelpGuide.org and MayoClinic.org suggest these steps for men who are domestic violence victims:
• Talk with a trusted friend or family member – or call a domestic violence hotline.
• Remember that getting help is the best way to protect your children and yourself.
• You are not less of a man or weak for seeking help, you are breaking the cycle of abuse.
• Create a safety plan with the knowledge that leaving can be dangerous.
• Call a domestic violence hotline for advice and make that call at a time when your abuser is absent or from another safe location.
• Have an emergency bag ready with items such as extra clothes, personal documents, money, medications, and keys.
• Know where you will go and how you will get there.

Take precautions:

• Use phones and home computers with caution.
• Regularly change your passwords.
• Clear your browser history.
• Remove any GPS devices from your vehicle.
• Utilize emergency numbers for assistance, primary and mental health care providers, and your court district for restraining orders.

No one deserves to be abused.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, and fearful of the lack of resources, here are some nationwide and area organizations that support men:

Crisis Support Services of Nevada ~ Call 775-221-7600 or text SASS to 839863 to get domestic violence help any time, day or night, 365 days a year.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline ~ Call 1-800-799-7233.

Emergency Shelter for Men ~ Visit https://www.catholiccharities.com/programs/mensemergency-night-shelter or call 702-385-2662.
Safe Nest of Las Vegas ~ Call (702) 877-0133 or visit https://safenest.org/.

Alliance Foundation wants you to know that you are not alone. You can be the one to break the cycle of abuse. And we are there to support the organizations that walk you through it.