news.sky.com
UK Male Abuse Survivors Feel Ignored by Government Policy
A study reveals 88% of male abuse survivors in the UK believe the government doesn't care due to the classification of abuse as "violence against women and girls", hindering their access to support, while charities and male survivors call for change.
- What are the specific consequences of the current policy on male victims' ability to report abuse and receive appropriate help?
- The policy of grouping male and female abuse victims together marginalizes male survivors, hindering their access to help and creating a sense of invisibility. This is highlighted by the UCLan study showing 89% of male survivors finding it harder to get help due to the current policy. The government's response acknowledges men can be victims but maintains the existing classification.
- What systemic changes are needed to address the underrepresentation and marginalization of male survivors of abuse within the current UK policy framework?
- The continued use of "violence against women and girls" to encompass all abuse cases reinforces societal biases that minimize male experiences of abuse. This lack of specific recognition for male victims could lead to underreporting, inadequate support services, and a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help and justice. The long-term impact is a continued silencing of male survivors.
- How does the UK government's classification of abuse as "violence against women and girls" affect male survivors' access to support and their perception of government care?
- Male survivors of abuse in the UK feel ignored by the government due to the classification of abuse as "violence against women and girls", which overlooks male victims. A recent study by the University of Central Lancashire revealed that 88% of male survivors believe the government does not care, impacting their ability to access support.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the plight of male survivors, presenting their feelings of invisibility and neglect as the central issue. While their experiences are important, the headline and introduction could be reframed to acknowledge the broader context of violence against women and girls, and the intention behind the existing classification system. For example, a more balanced headline might be: "Male Survivors of Abuse Demand Recognition Within Current VAWG Framework."
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, accurately reflecting the views and experiences of the male survivors. However, phrases such as "cultural bias" and "footnote" may subtly carry a negative connotation towards the current classification system, implying intentional disregard rather than acknowledging potential unintended consequences.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on male survivors' experiences but omits data on the number of male victims versus female victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, and honor-based violence. This omission prevents readers from fully understanding the scope of the problem and the potential impact of reclassifying these crimes. While acknowledging space constraints, including statistics on the overall number of male and female victims would strengthen the article's impact and context.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by focusing solely on the challenges faced by male survivors due to the current classification system. While it's valid to highlight their concerns, the narrative doesn't acknowledge that the "violence against women and girls" (VAWG) framework was established to address the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls. A more nuanced approach would explore the complexities of both perspectives and potential solutions that don't neglect either group.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on the experiences of male survivors, and while this is important, it risks perpetuating a gender bias by omission. The article should explicitly mention the significant number of women and girls affected by violence, affirming that their needs are not being ignored or diminished by the inclusion of male victims. It's essential to avoid inadvertently undermining the importance of efforts to address violence against women and girls.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the issue of male survivors of abuse being overlooked due to the focus on "violence against women and girls". Addressing this oversight and advocating for inclusive policies that recognize male victims are crucial steps toward achieving gender equality. The current system