This research brief presents findings from a 2023 national bilingual survey conducted in partnership with The National Domestic Violence Hotline and StrongHearts Native Helpline, examining how abusive partners weaponize mental health status and substance use to control and manipulate male survivors of intimate partner violence. Among 14,529 survey participants, 1,076 identified as cisgender men and 54 as transgender men.
The findings reveal that a majority of male survivors in this sample experienced mental health or substance use coercion, with tactics including interference with housing stability, legal systems, child custody, and access to services. Notably, 20% of cisgender male respondents were uncertain whether their experiences constituted abuse—highlighting significant gaps in recognition and support. The research underscores the need for accessible, trauma-informed services that address the unique barriers male survivors face when seeking help.