Research Brief: Violence Against Men

In Canada, men make up 75 percent of total homicides. In the five-year period between 2004-2009, more men were killed with firearms than all women by all methods combined. Men account for 65 percent of all robbery victims. Men are three times more likely to suffer aggravated assault and twice as likely to be assaulted with a weapon. Men are three times more likely to be assaulted in public places and are more likely to be harmed by a stranger or acquaintance. Men commit the majority of extreme violence in Canadian society. 95 percent of the prison and criminal justice population is male. Men experience additional violence in prison, with homicide and assault rates significantly higher in prison.

Men experience violence from women while in domestic partnerships. For more information on domestic violence against men please visit our Campaign to End Violence Against Men.

Sexual violence committed against men and boys is unreported and unknown due to stigma. In times of widespread warfare or periods of lawlessness, men die at a rate of 1.3-10 for every woman. If you are male, you are more likely to be the victim of a violent crime. Preventing men from committing violence and reducing violence against men are incredibly important humanitarian goals.

Further Reading: Sexual Assault Against Young Males in Prisons and Detention Centres