A Review of the Evidence on the Effects of Intimate Partner Violence on Men

This review examines the empirical evidence on the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) in men, including posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, depression, and suicidal ideation in men who have experienced IPV. The limited research on the effects of IPV in same-sex couples is considered. Outcomes suggest that men can experience significant psychological symptoms as a consequence of IPV; associations among IPV and PTS, depression, and suicide have been documented. Recommendations for future research on the effects of IPV in male victims are provided, including the need to focus on externalizing, in addition to internalizing, symptomatology; the development of gender-appropriate measures of violent behavior; and the comparison of male IPV and non-IPV samples. In-depth qualitative research and studies focusing on psychological abuse experienced by men would also be valuable.