This study examined the experiences and support needs of male victims of violence (excluding sexual assault and domestic violence) in New South Wales, Australia.
The study found that male victims of violence are significantly impacted by the offenses and by participation in the trials of perpetrators. Although many of these male victims receive support from informal sources, some would benefit from formal support services. At the time of this study, a range of victim services in New South Wales had some capacity to assist male victims of violence, particularly during their participation in court proceeding; however, a range of barriers obstruct a male violence victim's engagement with formal support services. These include social and personal factors (e.g., privacy concerns among men living in small communities) and structural barriers. Structural and systemic barriers include the failure of criminal justice professionals to identify male victims of violence, particularly at the time they are participating in court proceedings, as well as restrictive eligibility criteria and inaccessible locations for services. The lack of male support workers is also a potential barrier. Some groups of men experience multiple barriers, which fosters a rationalization that they do not need support services. This combination of factors undermines the appeal and the motivation for male victims of violence to seek or respond to the solicitations of formal victim support services. This study involved a literature review and interviews and focus groups with representatives of victim support and criminal justice agencies who have contact with male victims of violence in their work. It is recommended that future research in this area include the views and experiences of male victims of violence regarding victim support services. 60 references and appended study instruments