Lynne Renoir experienced physical abuse from her critical father, which inspired her to explore how others, particularly men, endure harm in their relationships with controlling or destructive partners.
For her Master’s thesis, Renoir interviewed forty-eight men from Australia and New Zealand. They described experiencing severe physical and psychological abuse, which led her to conclude that men, as a group, are often disempowered in their intimate relationships.
She emphasizes that society tends to recognize only women as victims of abuse, frequently portraying men as the aggressors. Renoir advocates for government and social institutions to acknowledge the challenges men face in abusive relationships and to implement measures to support them.
Do men experience abuse in their intimate relationships?
Renoir’s research indicates that they do. Her study found that men may face acts of physical aggression such as being hit, kicked, or having their property damaged.
Emotional abuse was also common, including attempts to isolate men from family and friends, constant criticism of their abilities or appearance, public humiliation, or threats involving children. Such experiences can leave men feeling powerless and uncertain about how to respond.
Many men internalize blame for the abuse, believing they have failed to meet societal expectations of strength, independence, or resilience. Their struggles are often worsened by disbelief or skepticism from authorities, legal systems, and even support services. Fear for their children’s safety can also prevent men from leaving abusive relationships.
Support systems for men remain extremely limited. There are very few shelters or services specifically for men, reflecting a societal assumption that only women experience abuse. These prevailing attitudes contribute to the continued marginalization and vulnerability of men who suffer in abusive relationships.
