Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence on the Rise in Taiwan; Personality and Habit Clashes are Main Triggers

(CNA, Taipei, June 18) The North American phenomenal film "I Love You to Death" has reignited discussions on the issue of abusive partners. According to statistics, intimate partner violence in Taiwan is quietly on the rise year by year, with a slight increase even in male victims. Incompatibility in personality or lifestyle is the biggest trigger.

On the eve of the 28th anniversary of the implementation of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held a press conference today to announce the latest statistics on reported domestic violence cases, with intimate partner violence accounting for the largest share at about 50%. Experts remind the public that abusive partners often exhibit seven major characteristics, such as being highly controlling and engaging in emotional blackmail. They urge people to be more vigilant, seek help early, and, if necessary, use the "110 Video Reporting" app to protect themselves.

According to MOHW statistics, the number of reported domestic violence cases has been increasing annually, rising from 149,198 cases in 2022 to 190,676 in 2025. Kuo Tsai-jung, Director-General of the Department of Protective Services, explained that the increase in data is related to the public's heightened awareness of violence prevention. Intimate partner violence is the largest category, accounting for about 50% of all reported cases, with the rest involving other family members, the elderly, and children/youth.

Intimate partner violence is on an upward trend, increasing from 75,052 people in 2022 to 89,072 in 2025. The statistics indicate that while female victims constitute the majority of reported cases (about 70%), it is worth noting that male victims have slightly increased, from 23% in 2022 to 33% in 2025. Even cases where both parties report each other have continued to increase, from 24% in 2022 to 33% in 2025.

"Conflict does not equal violence, but violence often stems from uncontrolled conflict. Uncontrolled conflict accompanying relationship changes can cause serious harm," said Kuo. In the 2025 intimate partner violence cases, physical violence was the main form, accounting for 50%, followed by psychological violence at 49% and stalking/harassment at 22%.

An examination of the triggers for intimate partner violence cases found that conflicts arising from incompatibility in personality or lifestyle were the highest at 60%, followed by issues related to breakups, divorce, or romantic affairs at 37%, and financial disputes at 21%. Kuo stated that this statistic shows that conflicts arising from daily life and relationship changes can all trigger violence.

An analysis of 24 major intimate partner violence incidents in 2025 showed that in 54% of cases, there was no prior reporting record for either party. Emotional problems such as breakups, divorce, or suspicion of a third party were the main cause, accounting for about 50%, followed by financial disputes at 33% and conflicts with relatives at 29%. Additionally, perpetrators with co-occurring mental illness or substance addiction issues accounted for 45.8%.

Dr. Chen Li-yuan, Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, who attended the press conference today, reminded that common characteristics of abusive partners in practice include being highly controlling, possessive, demeaning, emotionally blackmailing, stalking, making violent threats, and being mentally/physically unstable. He urged the public to be more vigilant and seek external help early.

Hsieh Ho-hsien, a domestic violence prevention officer from the Wanhua Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department, urged that in case of an emergency or when being stalked by a partner and unable to call for help, people can use the "110 Video Reporting" app. Its features, such as real-time GPS positioning, video transmission, and silent text chat, can help the police to instantly grasp the situation and intervene quickly. If necessary, a protection order can be applied for to ensure personal freedom and safety. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150618