According to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking. One in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. One in seven men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner, and 5.1 million men in the United States have been stalked in their lifetime.

It can be difficult for men to get the help and support they need. According to a recent Utah Domestic Violence Coalition Facebook post, “In many communities, there are fewer resources for male victims of DV. Also, professionals like healthcare workers might not think to ask men if injuries are caused by DV. That can make it harder to open up about abuse.”

There are ways to help end the stigma and the lack of awareness about male victims of domestic abuse. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, believing victims and survivors is the first step. It’s already difficult enough to reach out for help, so when they do, victims need to be believed.

Documenting the abuse is an important practice for all victims. Taking pictures and videos and writing in a journal are some ways to document. Writing about the abuse can have more than one benefit. The documentation can help in legal issues. Also, writing has been shown to be therapeutic when going through the hard things in life.

Finding a support system is crucial when experiencing something as devastating as abuse from a partner. Men, as well as women, shouldn’t be afraid to talk to family members, friends and therapists or anonymously through hotlines.

Victims should practice self-care while going through such a difficult time. This could mean doing things each day that they enjoy. It might be tempting to begin self-destructive behavior, such as using substances. But the negative effects of these choices will only make life harder than it already is. Staying emotionally, mentally and physically healthy can help victims to stay grounded during and after abuse.

Some ways to practice self-care include engaging in hobbies, exercise, quiet moments, prayer and meditation, talking to others, getting enough sleep, eating well and other healthy practices. These are different for each of us, but caring for ourselves, especially during traumatic times, has many benefits.

Help can be found for any victims by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788. Calls can also be made to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at 800-897-LINK (5465).