Narratives of male survivors of childhood domestic violence

Abstract

This study explores the narratives of three male survivors of childhood domestic violence. The research question delves into how the males’ childhood experiences of witnessing domestic violence impacted their adult identity and their outlook on life. It also explores the perceived impact on their adult relationships. A dialogical narrative analysis (Frank, 2010a, 2012) as methodology was used to inform the study. Six interviews were carried out with three participants. Results show that all males experienced a turbulent, chaotic childhood intertwined with a reality of love and abuse and characterised by the process of getting in between their parents’ fights. In their adult relationships, they all experienced challenges with isolation and anger. The participants perceived their adult identity to have also been impacted by their continued exposure to violence in childhood in relation to how they make sense of their masculinity while dealing with post traumatic symptoms. The recollection of narratives of male childhood experiences which is an under-researched area in the domestic violence literature can add to the knowledge of what it is like for males growing up in families where there is violence. The study is also helpful for professionals who support children and their families caught in the dynamics of family violence.