Men as victims topic of discussion

Addressing a predominantly female audience, Cal State Long Beach psychology professor Marty Fiebert tackled the task of talking about the socially obscure and often ridiculed subject of abuse of men by women.

In his presentation entitled "Violence: The Opposite Side of the Coin," Fiebert discussed a sampling of studies tracking female violence against men. Fiebert admitted fewer studies have been made in the area of female aggression toward men; a mere 40 in comparison to the thousands on male violence toward women.

"What my research is aiming to show is something that is hidden from the field," Fiebert said, claiming it is a common belief that women are more often victims of violence, rather than the perpetrators. He hopes that future studies will continue to show that the distribution of violence is much more equal between the two sexes than previously considered.

Admitting that 90 percent of police reports and emergency room statistics show women as victims of violence Fiebert said, "Women are more likely to be injured than men." He said that women are much more likely than men to participate in violent acts of a minor nature, such as throwing something, pushing, grabbing, shoving or slapping, while men are more prone to kick, hit or beat a partner.

Those listening seemed to be reluctant to accept the notion that women are just as likely to abuse a man as a man is to abuse a woman.

Fiebert said people need to become aware of female violence and examine its roots, such as sibling abuse and women using violence as a dysfunctional means of improving their communication with their partners.

Fiebert, through the help of a CSULB students, uncovered possible reasons for abuse of men by women. One study of 221 CSULB women students found that 58 percent abused their partners for not being sensitive to their needs. Of the students, 56 percent wanted to gain attention, and 42 percent didn't believe the abuse would hurt.

Knowing their partners would not hit back 15 percent of the group were violent toward their partner, 10 percent said they felt empowered by the act, and 6 percent said it sexually aroused them.

Participants were allowed to give more than one reason.