Look at the above picture. Do you find it amusing?

What about this one?

And this one?

No? Then you are part of a small minority. There are many who find these pictures hilarious. Why?  The victim is a man.

Why is there so little attention given to this horrible crime compared to the massive attention given when a woman is beaten?

Could it be because a man is perceived to be weak if he becomes a victim of domestic violence? Yes, without a doubt.

Domestic violence against men is under-reported because of the stigma associated with men being abused by their female partners. Most men keep a low profile and do their best to escape the shame.

Consider this story: Susan towered over Dave like a building over a flower. He loved her, she him. They married and before long had a brood of three, a girl and two boys. They were happy.

Without notice their marital bliss came to a screeching halt. Soon Susan began to take out her frustrations on Dave. Daily he endured verbal abuse, before long she began punching him.

Her attacks increased and Dave began making excuses for his many cuts and bruises. One morning after many years of abuse Dave decided to end his suffering.

He waited for Susan to get home. As soon as she entered the house she tore into him with verbal attacks that were quickly escalated into a beating she swore he would not forget. As she slapped him throughout the house, it was into the kitchen that she finally met her match.

From the utensil draw, Dave pulled out a .357 Magnum and fired. The round hit Susan in the chest. She fell and with the last of his strength he dragged her down to the basement and hid her behind the furnace.

The screams of “Daddy!” came from the children upstairs.

Later, Dave stood trial on attempted murder. He lost everything as most victims of abuse often do.

For our GOOD FRIDAY let’s remind friends and family that October is Domestic Violence month for both men and women.

If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence please share these numbers:

The Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men: 877 643-1120 and entering PIN number 0757

For women: The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Related post: DYING TO STAY ALIVE AND THE COLOR OF PURPLE.