Aumenta la violencia familiar y de pareja contra hombres canadienses, según datos oficiales. ¿Por qué? – Nacional

Family and intimate partner violence in Canada are on the rise, with women and girls traditionally being the primary victims. However, new data indicates a growing number of cases where men and boys are also victims of such violence.

According to a Statistics Canada report published Thursday, police-reported family violence increased by 17 percent and intimate partner violence by 13 percent from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, there were 139,020 victims of family violence and 123,319 victims of intimate partner violence reported to police across the country.

These numbers represent a three percent total rise in family violence and a one percent total increase in intimate partner violence last year. The increase was noted regardless of gender, although it was larger for men and boys.

Humberto Carolo, the chief executive officer of White Ribbon, a Canadian organization working to end gender-based violence, expressed concern over the data, noting that it is likely underreported as many victims do not come forward or are unable to seek support.

The rate of reported family violence against women and girls in 2023 was double that reported for men and boys, while reports of intimate partner violence were nearly four times higher. Women and girls also constituted the majority of victims of such violence last year.

The term «femicide,» defined as the killing of a woman or girl based on their gender, was used for the first time by the Ottawa Police Service in August. Carolo attributed the disproportionate impact of violence on women and girls to the existing power imbalance between men and women, as well as societal expectations that often lead boys and young men to suppress their emotions and resort to violence.

Statistics Canada data revealed a notable increase in family violence against men and boys by 19 percent and intimate partner violence by 20 percent between 2018 and 2023, compared to a 15 percent rise in family violence and a 12 percent increase in intimate partner violence reported by women and girls during the same period.

This rise may reflect greater awareness and education post the Me Too movement, prompting more men to come forward as victims of violence. Carolo emphasized the importance of breaking stereotypes and encouraging men to seek help in dealing with the challenges, stresses, and violence they may be experiencing.

Research suggests that men and boys who experience intimate partner violence may be more hesitant to report it due to the stigma surrounding male victims. The Public Health Agency of Canada highlighted that some men find it challenging to talk about intimate partner violence due to societal pressure to appear strong and not seek help.

Carolo emphasized the importance of prevention and continued awareness efforts for men and boys to combat violence. Investing in community programs, addressing police biases, and providing better training to law enforcement could help reduce violence. He called on Canadians to speak out against violence and support those who are experiencing it, as violence is a public concern that requires collective action to end.