Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as any act of ‘physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression, including coercive tactics, by a current or former intimate partner’.

Professor Chérie Armour, Professor of Psychological Trauma & Mental Health from the School of Psychology at Queen’s, who is leading the research, explains: “IPV is experienced by people of all genders, ages, sexualities and ethnic backgrounds but there is a profound lack of research into male experiences of IPV, and a lack of general awareness of the issue, to the point that many men don’t recognise that they have experienced IPV. This research is vital in tackling stigma, spreading awareness, and through its findings, instigating change in NI.”

The Male Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Study (ME-IPV) was tendered by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime. The researchers want to understand the impact IPV has had on participants’ physical health, mental health and wellbeing, and are also interested in their experiences of support and how this support could be improved.

Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna, said: “Without a proper understanding of the scale, extent and impact of intimate partner violence against men and boys, we cannot accurately design and deliver support or services appropriately.

“That’s why this research is so important. If we want to support those male victims, who have too often not sought the help they need because of the stigma around IPV, then we need to know the best way to provide that support.

“We all have a role in combatting the stigma that men who experience this crime face and this research will help inform how we best do that.”

The researchers are currently recruiting for participants to take place in the research either via an online survey or an interview. If you would like to participate in the study, please contact the team on meipvni@qub.ac.uk. 

Professor Armour adds: “The findings from this study have the power to create real change in Northern Ireland. They will be used to form recommendations for research, practice, and public policy. Specifically, information on physical and mental health outcomes, support needs, and information on whether support differs depending on geographical location, can be used by the Department of Justice in the creation of new programs and initiatives, support avenues, and allocation of resources based on need.

“These recommendations would benefit not only men in NI who have unfortunately already experienced IPV, but all future individuals who will have this experience in the years to come.”

Media

Media enquiries to comms.office@qub.ac.uk.