The popular image of domestic violence is based on the familiar gender stereotype of a male villain and a female victim. But that stereotype paints an incomplete picture, some research shows that men and women commit domestic violence against each other in equal numbers. Part of the reason for the disparity in reported victims might also be because men who call the police to report domestic violence against them fear that they will end up being the ones who get arrested. Male victims of domestic violence may be particularly reluctant to leave the relationship when children are involved. Leaving the children with the woman leaves the kids at risk for harm, but attempting to take the children out of the situation risks giving the impression that the man is abducting them. So long as the common misconception persists that men are always the abuser and women are always the victim, it’s unlikely that male victims will feel comfortable reporting their abuse.