Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Exploring Male Victimization: A Review of Features of Cis-gendered Men’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-seeking Challenges in Mainland, China

Yu ZhangSchool of International Study, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

In recent years, as the experiences of female victims of intimate partner violence have been extensively studied, an increasing number of Western researchers have begun to focus on male victims and conduct related studies. However, due to reporting gaps and help-seeking difficulties, male victims of intimate partner violence in China still receive relatively little attention, and there remains a significant gap in research in this area. Therefore, this review, based on a qualitative analysis of 23 articles, summarizes some of the common forms and consequences of trauma shared by male victims of intimate partner violence. It also examines the subjective and objective reasons behind the difficulties male victims face in seeking help, considering China's unique context. These reasons include the changes in gender ideology in China after the reform and opening-up, traditional masculinity emphasized by Chinese cultural norms, and the lack of attention and professionalism in Chinese social work organizations and other social service providers regarding male victims of intimate partner violence.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence; Male victimization; Reporting gap; Chinese context
Published: May 6, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.22471
Volume: CHR Vol.66
pp. 1-6
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