Separate and unequal domestic violence victim services

Absolutely and not a surprise at all. The worst part of this problem is that even raising the issue will get you labelled as a misogynist or sexist or just weak around the Bay Area.

There's an incredible double standard. Unfortunately, given the politics of the country, there isn't going to be any support for male victims any time soon. Our only option is to be far stronger, emotionally, than is ever expected of female victims, accept the heavy victim blaming we get, and move on.

source: Male, formerly physically abused by a live in girlfriend. Finally left when she pulled a 10" knife on me and starting swinging.

How is this a surprise?

With tripe like the Duluth Model( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duluth_model ) in full force, this is completely expected.

Duluth Model is the assumption that men are the abusers and women are abused. In effect, it is more unproven feminist garbage that serves to disenfranchise affected men, because "abusers" don't matter.

I'm glad to see that this is being researched and talked about. Increasing awareness can lead to necessary changes in attitudes and policies.

How very sad. :( I am glad it is being brought up though.

Part of it is cultural. Men are culturally supposed to be manly and dominant and its hard to get out of the gendered mindset and both acknowledge it exists, it is a serious problem and talk about it. Both gender stereotypes (man and woman) can be harmful to the individual. In fact, Most stereotypes are harmful to the individual.

If we don't open up our services to men (and take men seriously) then we are preventing many men from getting help. Not only in a physical way, but in a psychological way as well. (They may think that they are the only ones or blame themselves because they think they are weak)

The good news is around here it is changing. Our "Woman's Shelter" was renamed to something generic and they now concentrate on providing services to men as well and emphasis men are welcome.

The bad news is rather than talk about it in a rational way I fear this thread will slip into a lot of visceral hatred.