Steve Easton of Toronto found that out in 1993 when he opened an organization that provided programs for men who were abused. Despite a volunteer staff and a shoestring budget, Easton received 2,000 calls a year from throughout North America. He figured his activist days were over until a policeman knocked on his door and told him that abused men needed support. If Easton joined the force he might be able to continue his work. Today Easton is on the way to becoming a policeman, hoping to set up an organization that would help police deal with male victims.
Society slowly is beginning to recognize the other, hidden side of domestic abuse, say experts.
One domestic violence project has enlisted the services of a man to help male callers who may not feel comfortable talking to a woman. The man, himself a domestic violence victim who wishes to remain anonymous, said he heard stories from 15 or 20 men during his four years at the project. One man recounted how his wife would hurl cast-iron pots his way. Another complained that his wife stabbed him. While many men know on some level that they've been abused, they don't admit to being a victim, said the man.