Hidden Wounds, Unheard Voices: An Exploration of Men as Victims of IPV during and Post-COVID-19

Abstract

The victimisation of men in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has historically received limited attention, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the experiences of male victims of female-perpetrated IPV and assesses the support and services they accessed during and after the pandemic in the UK. Through interviews with ten participants, the data were analysed using framework analysis. The participants reported a broad range of abusive behaviours, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Additionally, new forms of coercive control were found to be linked to the pandemic and the unique female-perpetrator/male-victim dynamic. The findings revealed that male participants endured multiple forms of abuse and coercive control, compounded by institutional failures, which significantly affected their ability to access support.