Gender Differences in Intimate Partner Violence Service Use

Although males experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at a rate only slightly lower than females, they are much less likely to receive formal victim services. We examined differences in males and females who received services for IPV victimization. Using InfoNet data web-based case management system used by domestic violence and sexual assault victims service providers in Illinois—we compared non-fatal male and female IPV victim demographics collected between 2015 and 2019. We analyzed their characteristics, IPV victimization type, and service receipt. We found that the racial/ethnic representation among male IPV victims was more proportionate to their representation among Illinois residents than that of female IPV victims. Females more often reported having a disability or limited English proficiency, both barriers to accessing services, in addition experiencing abuse that presented an increased risk of escalating to homicide. Female victims received three times the number of service contacts that males did and were more likely to need and receive counseling, housing services, and shelter. Findings suggest male IPV victims needed legal services more often than female IPV victims; they were more often referred to a victim service provider by a legal source, to receive civil legal advocacy, and to have filed for an order of protection.