Final answer:
Less than 1 percent of men report being raped or assaulted by an intimate partner. Men's reporting of such incidents is low, partly due to stigma and beliefs about police ineffectiveness, underscoring the need for better awareness and support for male IPV victims.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the percentage of men who report being raped or assaulted by a current or former spouse or partner. According to the data provided by Catalano in 2007, less than 1 percent of men reported such incidents. In the broader context of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), it is essential to note that statistics typically reveal lower rates of reporting among men for various reasons, including societal perceptions of masculinity and the stigmatization of male victims.
It is further highlighted that there are various reasons why victims, regardless of gender, may choose not to report abuse to authorities. In the case of men, 39 percent consider abuse to be a private matter, 5 percent fear retaliation, 16 percent want to protect the abuser, and 8 percent believe that police won't do anything. These statistics underscore the challenges in accurately determining the prevalence of IPV among men, as it is likely that a significant amount of abuse goes unreported.
Implications on Society and Support
These data have profound implications on societal patterns, norms concerning intimate relationships, gender roles, and the resources and support systems available to male victims of IPV. There is an evident need for increased awareness, better reporting mechanisms, and more inclusive support services that address the specific needs of men who experience such forms of violence and assault.