The Abuse of Men: Trauma Begets Trauma

by Barbara Jo Brothers

Overview

When men are abused, everybody suffers.

This courageous book exposes a dark secret: Men are often victims of abuse. Although a great deal of attention has recently been paid to the victimization of women, the role of men as victims--not just perpetrators--has been neglected. The Abuse of Men reveals the impact of physical, sexual, and emotional trauma on the lives and relationships of men.

This groundbreaking book shows how the negative effects of both basic training and combat may also cause lasting damage to men's self-esteem, ability to trust, personal boundaries, and ability to form healthy relationships. The Abuse of Men explores the prevalence of other kinds of violence and abuse toward men and boys, from child-battering to spousal abuse. It also discusses how the culture of violence and societal expectations of boys and men can help drive victims of abuse toward continuing the cycle of violence.

The Abuse of Men discusses the sources of trauma, including:

• the quality and quantity of domestic violence committed by women against men
• the role of abusive fathers in raising sons who become abusers
• vicarious traumatization from living with partners whose uncontrolled PTSD makes them dangerously abusive
• hazing, military training, and other socially sanctioned male-on-male violence
• trauma contagion and transactional victimizing

The Abuse of Men also offers specific suggestions for therapists working with abused men and their partners, including an innovative step-by-step program for treating couples who have both been traumatized. By understanding how men and boys become victims and respond to trauma, you can help heal their pain and teach them to build positive, loving relationships.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317788775
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/25/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	134
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Barbara Jo Brothers

Table of Contents

Contents

• Models of Perceiving the World: Relationship as Hierarchy
• Vicariously Traumatized: Male Partners of Sexual Abuse Survivors
• The Impact of the Abuse of Males on Intimate Relationships
• Abuse Committed by Women Against Male Intimates
• Men Helping Boys Become Men
• Intertraumatic Dissociative Attachment: Treating Trauma-Based Transactions in Couples
• Index
• Reference Notes Included

Editorial Reviews

3 Stars from Doody

The abuse of men is examined within the context of men in relationships, men in families, and men in the work world and the military. Some topics include male partners of sexual abuse survivors, the impact of the abuse of males on intimate relationships, abuse committed by women against male intimates, and treating trauma-based transactions in couples. Brothers is affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers. She is on the faculty at Tulane University. Co-published simultaneously as , vol. 10, no. 1, 2001. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Reviewer: Sharon L Coleman, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)
Description: This book covers topics related to the abuse and trauma of males. The breadth of information explores many of the internal and interpersonal dynamics of abused males.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive look at abused males and the people involved in their lives. This book presents a timely and under-explored topic. The various articles seem to cover the relevant literature and provide a new perspective on abuse and trauma as it relates to males.
Audience: This book is useful for both students and practictioners. Specifically, those in the helping professions can benefit from the unique perspectives and information presented here. The author seems to direct this book toward the practitioner by providing case examples and intervention strategies. However, anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of abused males will find this book helpful.
Features: It covers individual and interpersonal dynamics of abused males, their spouses and family members. There is a considerable amount of coverage of issues pertinent to couples and important strategies for dealing effectively with this population. The book is excellent in its inclusion of a wide variety of issues related to abused males and the impact of trauma. As well, case examples are helpful in understanding how to intervene with individuals and couples.
Assessment: The author has compiled a credible and unique set of articles that provide a comprehensive look at the abuse of males and the impact of trauma in their lives. This is a unique text and provides an exploration of a rarely discussed topic. This is a useful book for those who work with this population and those who wish to understand these dynamics better.

Doody's Review Service