Tijuana.- Local news outlet El Sol de Tijuana interviewed a Women's Institute of Tijuana (Inmujer) staff member, Gabriela Navarro Peraza, about different cases of men suffering domestic abuse committed by their spouses; so far in the year, only 15 men have reached out for help.

They fear social criticism the most, and it's one of the reasons why they prefer not seek help; by being men, they should "tough it out", is their reasoning.

"It's harder for them to reach out for help because of gender roles, in which the man is supposed to be the strong one, the provider, who can't ask for help if they suffer from domestic violence; the possible shame makes it harder on them."

The agent said that in most of these 15 reported cases, the individuals in question were lower-class men, who reach out to the Institute because they can't afford a lawyer. Some of them even try to get custody of their children because their partners won't allow them to visit.

There are several studies and statistic information about domestic violence towards women, but when it comes to investigate aggressions committed against the male part in marriage of relationships, information becomes very scarce.

Some videos on the Internet try to create awareness of domestic violence regardless of who it is directed at, men or women, showing the different reactions that people have towards a violent situation if a woman is the victim against others where men are victims.

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ariday.ortega@sandiegored.com

Translated by axel.alcala@sandiegored.com