Report on Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Alignment with SDG 5

In the global effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), it is imperative to address all forms of gender-based violence. While women constitute the majority of victims, a comprehensive approach requires acknowledging that men are also subjected to intimate partner violence. Recognizing male victims is a critical step toward dismantling harmful gender stereotypes and ensuring that support systems are inclusive, thereby promoting equality for all individuals.

Statistical Overview and Impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

The prevalence of domestic violence against men represents a significant public health issue, directly undermining the objectives of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Data from the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition highlights the scale of the problem:

• One in nine men experiences severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking.
• One in four men has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
• One in seven men has been a victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
• An estimated 5.1 million men in the United States have been stalked in their lifetime.

These experiences have severe consequences for victims’ physical, mental, and emotional health, acting as a direct barrier to achieving well-being for all at all ages.

Systemic Barriers and the Role of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

Male victims face systemic barriers that impede their access to support, a challenge that speaks to the need for more effective and inclusive institutions as outlined in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Key obstacles include:

• A scarcity of dedicated resources and shelters for male victims of domestic violence.
• A lack of awareness among professionals, such as healthcare workers, who may not screen male patients for injuries related to domestic violence.

These institutional shortcomings make it difficult for men to disclose abuse and receive necessary aid, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional capacity to protect all victims of violence and ensure access to justice.

Recommended Strategies for Victim Support and SDG Promotion

A multi-faceted approach is required to support victims and advance the SDGs. The following strategies are recommended for victims and the community to foster safety, health, and justice.

1. Believe Victims and Survivors: The foundational step is to create a supportive environment where victims feel safe to disclose their experiences. This fosters peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16) and is essential for mental well-being (SDG 3).
2. Document the Abuse: Keeping a record of incidents through photos, videos, and journals is a crucial practice. This documentation serves as evidence in legal proceedings, reinforcing access to justice for all (SDG 16).
3. Find a Support System: Engaging with family, friends, therapists, or anonymous hotlines is vital for emotional and psychological recovery. Strong social support networks are a key component of good health and well-being (SDG 3).
4. Practice Self-Care: Victims must prioritize their physical and mental health to cope with trauma. Engaging in healthy practices helps mitigate the negative health impacts of abuse and promotes long-term well-being (SDG 3). Recommended activities include:
   • Engaging in hobbies and enjoyable activities.
   • Regular exercise.
   • Quiet moments, prayer, or meditation.
   • Ensuring adequate sleep and proper nutrition.

Resources and Institutional Support

Access to institutional support is critical for victim safety and recovery. The following organizations provide essential services that contribute to the goals of SDG 3 and SDG 16 by offering immediate assistance and pathways to justice.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
• Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: 800-897-LINK (5465).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on domestic violence against men addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on health, gender equality, and the reduction of violence.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article directly connects to this goal by discussing the severe physical, sexual, and psychological impacts of domestic violence on victims. It emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health through self-care, therapy, and avoiding self-destructive behaviors.
   • SDG 5: Gender Equality: While the article focuses on male victims, it fundamentally addresses gender equality by challenging the stereotype that domestic violence is an issue that only affects women. It highlights the need for resources and support for all victims, regardless of gender, thereby promoting a more inclusive understanding of gender-based violence.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This goal is relevant as the article discusses various forms of violence, including physical violence, sexual violence, and stalking. It also touches upon the need for justice and support systems, such as documenting abuse for legal purposes and accessing hotlines, which are part of building peaceful and just societies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content aligns with specific targets under the identified SDGs.

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article’s emphasis on victims practicing self-care, seeking therapy, and maintaining emotional and mental health to cope with the trauma of abuse directly supports the promotion of mental health and well-being.
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. Although this target specifically names women and girls, the article’s discussion of intimate partner violence against men is part of the broader effort to eliminate this form of violence for everyone. By highlighting that men are also victims, the article contributes to a comprehensive approach to ending intimate partner violence, which is essential for achieving true gender equality.
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article’s core subject is the reduction of intimate partner violence. It provides statistics on the prevalence of physical violence, sexual violence, and stalking against men, which are the very issues this target aims to reduce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article explicitly and implicitly provides indicators that can be used to measure progress.

   • For Target 5.2 and 16.1: The article provides direct statistical indicators used to measure the prevalence of violence. These are drawn from the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and serve as a baseline for measuring progress.
     • “one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking.”
     • “One in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.”
     • “One in seven men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.”
     • “5.1 million men in the United States have been stalked in their lifetime.”

     These statistics align with official indicators like 5.2.1 (Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to intimate partner violence) and 16.1.3 (Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence), extending the measurement to include male victims.

   • For Target 3.4: The article implies indicators related to the availability and use of support systems for mental health.
     • The availability and accessibility of resources for male victims, which the article notes are often fewer in many communities. An increase in such resources would be a positive indicator.
     • The number of calls or texts to support services like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE) and the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (800-897-LINK), which are mentioned as key resources for help.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.	(Implied) Availability of and access to mental health support systems (therapists, hotlines) for male victims of domestic violence. (Implied) Utilization rates of support hotlines mentioned in the article (e.g., National Domestic Violence Hotline).
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls… (interpreted inclusively to cover intimate partner violence against all genders).	Proportion of men experiencing severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking (stated as “one in nine men”). Proportion of men who have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner (stated as “one in four men”).
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence…	Prevalence of severe physical violence by an intimate partner against men (stated as “one in seven men”). Number of men who have been stalked in their lifetime (stated as “5.1 million men in the United States”).

Source: heraldextra.com