Introduction: Research on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has mainly focused on how this issue targets and affects women, but more recent research has shed light on how men in same-sex and different-sex relationships suffer significantly due to their abusive partners. Nevertheless, knowledge on this topic is still lacking, and more research is needed to assess the complex realities these men face. Aims: With this study we aim to better understand victimized men’s experiences in their same-sex or different-sex relationships, identifying their specific characteristics and dynamics, as well as specific barriers and facilitators to seeking help. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adult men (Gay, n=5; Bisexual, n=1; Heterosexual, n=6) who self-identified as having suffered violence in their intimate relationships. The interview script was developed considering the literature on IPV and feedback from stakeholders in victim support services (e.g. APAV, ILGA Portugal). The results were analyzed following the principles of Thematic Analysis and were coded using the QSR NVivo 12 software. Results: Preliminary results suggest that men suffer significantly on their abusive relationships, with participants reporting physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence perpetrated by their same-sex or different-sex partners. Most participants reported not knowing about available support services, and those who knew doubted their effectiveness. For gay and bisexual men, different minority stressors were reported that played a significant role in their abusive relationships as well as their help-seeking experiences. More access to information and tailored health services were reported as facilitative of help-seeking. Conclusions: This study provides important findings on how IPV affects men in same-sex and different-sex relationships, providing new insights about how violence is experienced, and what facilitates and hinders help-seeking. Future efforts in this field could focus on providing information and tailoring services to the specific needs of these men.

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Intimate Partner Violence,Help-seeking,Male targets of violence,Gay and Bisexual Men