Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Help-Seeking: The Experiences of African American Male Survivors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious worldwide problem and a deliberate violation of human rights. Men from all ethnicities are physically, psychologically, and mentally affected by IPV. In the Unites States, approximately 835,000 men are abused by an intimate partner. Although there are higher incidences of IPV in the African American community and lower rates of help-seeking especially among males, there is a scarcity of studies addressing the help-seeking behavior of African American male IPV survivors. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American male survivors of IPV and their help-seeking behaviors. The sample for this study consisted of six African American men who are survivors of female perpetrated IPV. Social learning theory, which explains how behavior including help-seeking behavior is learned, guided this study. Participants were interviewed face to face and via Skype using semi structured interviews. The data from the interviews were analyzed and coded using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that African American male survivors of IPV face numerous barriers that dehumanized them; however, they recognized the importance of getting help. The findings provide a better understanding of African American men\u27s experiences and help-seeking behaviors. Thus, programs that are specific to their needs can be implemented. Furthermore, the results could prompt law enforcement administration to provide better training of patrol officers who first respond to family disputes