Summary: A large-scale study identifies the main obstacles that stop men from seeking help after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers found that treating the abuse as a private matter was the single most common barrier across Black, Latino, and White men. The study also highlights culturally specific and psychological challenges—such as shame among Latino men and difficulty labeling experiences as abuse among White men—that must be addressed to build more inclusive, trauma-informed support services.
Key Facts:
- Prevalence and Silence: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 44% of men report experiencing IPV at some point, yet many never access professional support or community resources.
- Primary Barrier: Across all racial and ethnic groups studied, viewing the abuse as a “private matter” was the most commonly reported reason for not seeking help.
- Demographic Differences: Barriers to help-seeking varied by race and ethnicity: Latino men more frequently reported shame and embarrassment, White men were more likely to struggle to identify their experiences as abuse, and Black men were less likely than other groups to report fear of not being believed.
Source: George Mason University
Men who experience intimate partner violence are far less likely than women to pursue help, and a new comprehensive study from George Mason University provides detailed insight into why that gap exists. The research examines psychological, cultural, and practical reasons male victims may avoid formal and informal help.
The study identifies several consistent barriers: considering the matter private, worry about retaliation from a partner, deep feelings of shame, and concerns that authorities or support networks will not believe them. These barriers interact with cultural norms and gender expectations, shaping how different groups interpret and respond to abuse.
Postdoctoral researcher Lyric Russo led the analysis of help-seeking obstacles across nearly 1,200 non-Latino Black, Latino, and non-Latino White men who experienced female-perpetrated IPV. The results, published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities, aim to fill critical gaps in research focused on underrepresented male victim populations.
“Centering men’s perspectives across racial and ethnic backgrounds supports a fuller understanding of intimate partner violence and highlights the need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and gender-inclusive interventions,” Russo said. The findings underline how tailored approaches may increase access to services and improve outcomes for male survivors.
The research, led by Denise Hines, Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work and a recognized scholar in male IPV, is among the first large-scale U.S. studies to compare barriers to help-seeking among Black, Latino, and White male victims. By quantifying which obstacles are most prevalent and how they differ by group, the study provides practical guidance for policymakers, clinicians, and service providers.
Key nuances uncovered by the study include:
- Keeping the abuse private was the dominant barrier across all demographic groups.
- Latino men were significantly more likely to report feelings of shame or embarrassment as a barrier to help-seeking.
- White men more often had difficulty labeling their experiences as abuse, which can delay or prevent reaching out for support.
- Black men reported lower levels of concern about not being believed by authorities or support networks compared with other groups in the sample.
Hines emphasized that these findings can guide the development of more effective, culturally attuned services. Interventions that acknowledge privacy concerns, reduce stigma, improve screening and identification, and educate providers about male victimization may encourage more men to seek help.
Russo added that without targeted research and service design, programs may overlook the needs of male victims. She noted that trauma-informed care, community outreach, provider training in gender-inclusive assessment, and culturally sensitive messaging are likely to be important components of improved support systems.
The paper was selected as the July 2026 editor’s choice for the journal and received an invitation for a research feature on the APA Division 51 (Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities) blog, reflecting its relevance to scholars and practitioners focused on men’s mental health and safety.
Editorial Notes:
- This article was edited by a Neuroscience News editor for clarity and context.
- The full journal article was reviewed to ensure accurate reporting of findings.
- Additional explanatory context was provided by Neuroscience News staff to aid reader understanding.
About this Intimate Partner Violence and Psychology Research
Author: Mary Cunningham (Media Contact)
Source: George Mason University
Contact: Mary Cunningham – George Mason University
Image: Generated by AI/Neuroscience News.
Original Research: Peer-reviewed publication “Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Male Victims of Female-Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence: Insights From Black, Latino, and White Men” by Lyric Russo, Denise Hines, et al. Psychology of Men & Masculinities
DOI: 10.1037/men0000560
Publication Date: July 1, 2026