An award-winning investigative journalist provides a disturbing new look at an underreported type of domestic violence—the abuse of men.

Say the words "domestic violence," and images of battered women come to mind. Yet, the more accurate picture is different, and it crosses genders. Women strike the first blow in about half of the domestic disputes nationwide, and a National Violence Against Women Survey, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Justice Department, found that nearly 40 percent of all domestic violence victims are men.

The first edition of Philip W. Cook's book, Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence (Praeger, 1997), drew attention and praise nationwide from individuals and from media, ranging from CNN and Fox network's The O'Reilly Factor to scholarly publications such as The Journal of Marriage and Family. On the 10th anniversary of that groundbreaking book, Cook began revising and expanding his work. The result is this second edition—a disturbing look at a trend that continues to increase.

The new edition of Abused Men: The Hidden Side of Domestic Violence offers up-to-date data on the prevalence of intimate partner violence against men, incorporating personal interviews and cases drawn from the media. It also includes updates on law, legislation, court activity, social responses, police activity, support groups, batterer programs, and crisis intervention programs. The final chapter contains a detailed and specific description of needed reforms in the current approach to intimate partner violence, whether the victims are male or female.

Features
• The latest research figures and up-to-date surveys on the prevalence of intimate partner violence against men
• Personal interviews and cases drawn from media coverage of politicians and other public figures
• A selected bibliography

Highlights
• Investigates the evidence for abuse of men as a significant social problem
• Includes new material about domestic violence against gay men
• Updates information from the first edition on laws, legislation, court activity, social responses, police activity, support groups, batterer programs, and crisis intervention programs
• Tells victims how to get help and free themselves from abuse
• Recommends necessary reforms in approaches to reducing domestic violence

Philip W. Cook is an investigative journalist who has won awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. He has appeared in interviews on CNN, MSNBC, on the Fox Network's The O'Reilly Factor, Montel, Sally, CBS radio, and the nationally broadcast Jim Bohannon Show, and has been heard on many other local radio talk shows. He has been quoted as an authority on this subject by the National Associated Press and more than 40 daily newspapers across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

FIGURES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1. Is It Real? : The Evidence for a Significant Social Problem
Chapter 2. Telling Their Stories: Men Speak Out
Chapter 3. The Domestic Violence Trap: How to Get Help and Find Freedom from Abuse
Chapter 4. Resistance and Acceptance: The Challenge to Understanding
Chapter 5. Exploring New Approaches to Reducing Domestic Violence
NOTES
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX

Reviews
"Recommended. Public and academic libraries serving programs with an interest in domestic violence, or those seeking to develop extensive holdings in this area; all levels."—Choice

Endorsements
"[This book] reads like 1,000 Dear Abby letters. . . fascinating. . . but it explains the many aspects of domestic violence. It has a wealth of material that could be helpful to professionals who deal with domestic violence."—Dear Abby Abigail Van Buren

"I am grateful to Philip Cook for writing Abused Men. This is a brave book. . . . [The author] brings to bear in this book his knowledge as a journalist and his evident care and compassion for all victims of domestic violence."—Erin Pizzey, Founder of Chiswick Women's Refuge
Author, Scream Quietly or the Neighbors Will Hear

"This just might be the volume to get the message across finally that domestic violence is a human problem, not just a gender problem."—R.L. McNeely, Ph.D., J.D. Attorney
Professor of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"Very thought-provoking and well researched. [This book] should aid in educating medical professionals regarding this potential diagnosis as well as help shape our legal approach."—Kenneth H. Coleman, M.D., J.D., Attorney at Law

"Thought-provoking research which will stimulate further inquiry into human behavior long neglected."—Ronald R. Still, M.S.
Chief of Police (Retired), Portland, Oregon

"Mr. Cook argues persuasively that we may be looking at only half the problem, and we're neglecting the needs of male victims. It also seems clear that much of Mr. Cook's work applies equally to abused people of either gender, and he offers practical suggestions for the abused. His solutions would impact all cases of domestic violence and are well worth our consideration."—Rob Solomon, Licensed Professional Counselor
Author, Full-Esteem Ahead

"Perhaps with this book, Philip Cook can accomplish what academics have for the past 25 years failed to do--to cut through the political rhetoric and finally present the case of abused men as a real social problem. Cook goes beyond the issue of battered males as he sheds incredible insight into the systemic problem of family violence. Perhaps now, couples experiencing violence in their relationships can be helped. His case material sadly brings to life the statistics researchers generate."—Reena Sommer, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, University of Manitoba
Family Counselor

"I find Abused Men most appealing because of the rigorous research upon which the findings are based. There is nothing that is not fully substantiated by data. . . I appreciate the balance achieved in addressing a topic, usually ignored, in an era of accusations and hysteria that often detracts from the actual aggression and violence that affects domestic relations. This book is a real contribution that will help in the education of all professionals in the field of sociology and mental health."—Stanley G. Sturges, M.D.
Medical Director, CareMark Behavioral Health Services

"Unique. The case materials presented are gripping, and need to be part of the historical and social record. It is a book likely to be helpful to many men, and if action is taken on the agenda outlined in the final chapter, to our country as a whole."—Murray A. Straus, Ph.D,
Co-Director Family Research Laboratory
University of New Hampshire