.png){kind=small}
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to any form of violence or abuse directed at a person due to their gender. It includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.
While GBV is often associated with violence against women and girls, it is important to recognize that men and boys can also be victims of such violence, though it is less frequently discussed or acknowledged
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that affects millions of people, regardless of gender. However, when we discuss GBV, the conversation often centers around women and girls as victims.
While this focus is crucial given the disproportionate impact on females, it inadvertently overshadows another important aspect of the problem: male victims of GBV. This blog post explores why male GBV is not as widely discussed or campaigned about as women and girls' GBV issues.
Underreporting: A Major Obstacle in Combating Gender-based violence
One of the primary reasons male GBV receives less attention is severe underreporting. Studies have shown that GBV, in general, is vastly underreported, but the problem is even more pronounced for male victims.
Shame and stigma play a significant role; men may fear being perceived as weak or less masculine if they disclose their experiences. Societal expectations of masculinity often discourage them from admitting victimhood, which is seen as antithetical to traditional male roles.
Additionally, a lack of recognition compounds the problem. Many men struggle to identify certain behaviors—particularly emotional or psychological abuse—as GBV. Fear of disbelief further silences male survivors, especially when the perpetrator is female. In such cases, cultural narratives may invalidate their experiences, reinforcing the perception that men cannot be victims.
The limited availability of support services tailored for male victims adds another layer of complexity. When men don’t see resources designed to help them, they may feel their experiences are invalid or insignificant.
Overlooking Female Perpetrators of GBV
The societal framing of GBV often positions men as perpetrators and women as victims, which overlooks the reality that women can also commit acts of violence against men.
Female-perpetrated gender-based violence, particularly in the form of emotional, psychological, or even physical abuse, is frequently dismissed or minimized. This oversight stems from deeply ingrained gender stereotypes.
Women are often viewed as non-threatening or incapable of significant harm, which can make male victims feel invalidated when their abusers are female.
Even within legal systems and support frameworks, male survivors reporting abuse by female perpetrators may struggle to be taken seriously.
Acknowledging female-perpetrated GBV is not about diminishing the seriousness of violence against women and girls but about recognizing that anyone—regardless of gender—can commit or fall victim to abuse.
Expanding the lens through which gender-based violence is viewed is crucial for creating a fair and inclusive approach to combating it.
The Masculinity Narrative
The societal construct of masculinity is a significant factor that contributes to the underreporting and lack of focus on male gender based violence.
Traditional masculinity often emphasizes power, independence, and resilience—traits that conflict with the vulnerability associated with victimhood.
For male GBV survivors, admitting to being a victim can create an internal struggle, as it challenges the deeply ingrained belief that men should be able to handle their problems without help.
This "masculinity narrative" also discourages male survivors from seeking support, as they may perceive it as a failure to live up to societal expectations.
Biased Research and Documentation of GBV Cases
Another obstacle to addressing male gender-based violence is the limited comprehensive research and awareness. Historically, much of the research on GBV has focused on female victims and male perpetrators, leading to a gap in understanding male victimization.
For instance, while there is extensive data on sexual violence against adolescent girls, similar statistics for boys are scarce. This gap in research reflects a historical bias that has focused predominantly on female victims and male perpetrators.
Public perception also plays a role. Many people, including policymakers and service providers, are unaware of the prevalence and impact of GBV on men. This lack of understanding contributes to gaps in policies and services designed to address the issue.
Limited Mentorship and Male Advocacy
A critical issue in addressing male GBV is the lack of mentors and advocates to guide young men and boys, especially fathers and close relatives.
Role models who openly speak about male victimization and challenge harmful masculinity narratives are few and far between. This absence leaves boys vulnerable to internalizing societal norms that perpetuate silence, violence, and stigmatization.
The problem is further compounded in same-sex relationships, where violence between male partners is often overlooked or dismissed. Societal discomfort with acknowledging GBV in same-sex couples contributes to the invisibility of these cases, leaving victims without adequate support or resources.
Moreover, there is a noticeable lack of collective male-driven advocacy against GBV perpetrated by men on men. Unlike the strong, organized campaigns by women to combat violence against them, men’s participation in addressing violence within their own gender is limited.
Many men adopt an unbothered attitude, failing to challenge or campaign against male-on-male violence. This indifference perpetuates a culture of silence and normalization of abuse.
Policy and Service Gaps
The framing of GBV policies often inadvertently excludes male victims. For instance, in Kenya, national strategies addressing GBV frequently focus on violence against women and girls, as seen in initiatives like the National Policy on Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence.
While these frameworks are critical for tackling the significant risks faced by women, they can unintentionally reinforce the perception that GBV is solely an issue of men's violence against women.
This policy framing influences the availability of services and the style of response for male victims. Shelters, counseling services, and hotlines for male survivors of GBV are often sparse or nonexistent especially in rural areas, reflecting a broader lack of public recognition of the issue.
Consequently, many male survivors feel unsupported or invalidated, discouraging them from seeking help or reporting their experiences.
GBV and drug & alcohol abuse in men and boys
Gender-based violence (GBV) can have far-reaching consequences, including contributing to alcohol and drug abuse among male survivors.
In Kenya, societal pressures, cultural expectations, and limited support systems for male GBV victims exacerbate this issue, particularly within communities where traditional notions of masculinity play a significant role.
Male victims of GBV—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—may turn to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms to suppress feelings of shame, fear, or helplessness.
The lack of culturally sensitive counseling services for men and the stigma surrounding mental health further drive them to self-medicate.
In some cases, survivors of domestic violence or sexual abuse within African households may face ridicule or ostracism, worsening their trauma. This societal rejection can lead to an increased dependency on substances like alcohol, which is often consumed socially and is easily accessible in many urban and rural centers.
The prevalence of illicit brews such as chang’aa and muratina in central Kenya exacerbates the problem, as men struggling with GBV-related trauma may use these substances to escape their pain temporarily.
The cycle of substance abuse and untreated trauma can have devastating effects, including family breakdowns, economic instability, and deteriorating physical and mental health.
To address this issue, it is crucial to integrate substance abuse interventions into GBV response programs. Culturally tailored support services, including therapy and community-based initiatives, can help male survivors heal and reduce their reliance on harmful coping mechanisms.
The Consequences of Silence in Gender Based Violence
The impact of GBV on male survivors can be severe, affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships.
Physical injuries, sexual dysfunction, and sexually transmitted infections are common among male survivors. Mentally, they may experience shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even substance abuse.
Socially, male survivors often face ridicule or abandonment by family and friends. Economic consequences can also arise, as the trauma may interfere with their ability to work or maintain employment.
When men experience GBV—whether in childhood, intimate relationships, or institutional settings—they may internalize their victimization as a threat to their perceived masculinity. This loss of control or power can lead to efforts to reassert dominance, sometimes through violent means, including aggression toward women.
For example, men who have endured emotional or physical abuse may develop harmful coping mechanisms, such as channeling their unresolved anger or humiliation into controlling or violent behavior.
In some cases, this dynamic escalates into fatal outcomes, particularly in relationships where men view women as property or extensions of their authority.
Giving A Voice to Overlooked Gender based Violence Male Survivors
Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) requires a holistic approach that considers all victims, including men and boys. While women and girls disproportionately suffer from GBV, overlooking male victims perpetuates a cycle of silence and harm that undermines efforts to create a just and equitable society.
Men and Boys Leading the Way Forward
Men and boys have a vital role to play in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) by not only supporting existing initiatives for women and girls but also leading the charge in creating male-centered programs.
In Kenya, a significant number of non-profits and for-profits are male-led, with some focusing exclusively on the welfare of men and boys. However, the gap in male-targeted GBV awareness and intervention efforts remains glaring, particularly in rural areas and satellite towns where stigma and traditional beliefs are deeply entrenched.
For meaningful change to occur, more organizations must champion male-focused GBV programs that address the unique challenges men face, such as underreporting, societal stigma, and the lack of accessible services.
Male survivors of GBV need safe spaces where they can share their experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule. Organizations that work on mental health, substance abuse, and trauma recovery could incorporate male-specific GBV support to offer holistic care.
Mentorship Focused on Men and Boys
Mentorship programs are essential to guide young men and boys in adopting healthy behaviors and challenging harmful gender norms.
Male mentors who have overcome similar struggles can be powerful agents of change, helping to dismantle toxic masculinity and fostering a culture of accountability and empathy. These programs could complement ongoing efforts by female-led initiatives, promoting collaboration and a shared vision of gender equity.
Moreover, men can play a pivotal role in normalizing conversations about male-on-male violence, especially in same-sex relationships, which are often ignored or stigmatized.
Advocacy by male leaders can help bring visibility to these issues and inspire others to take action. By participating in and even leading campaigns, protests, and public dialogues, men can amplify the urgency of addressing violence against all genders, breaking the silence that perpetuates harm.
Femicide as a Broader Social Issue
Linking male GBV to femicide reveals a broader societal failure to address gender-based violence comprehensively. Efforts to reduce femicide must not only focus on protecting women but also address the root causes of male-perpetrated violence. This includes:
Challenging Harmful Gender Norms: By dismantling stereotypes about masculinity, society can reduce the pressure on men to assert dominance through violent means.
Expanding Support Services for Male Victims: Providing accessible mental health services and counseling for men can help break the cycle of victimization and aggression.
Engaging Men in Advocacy: Encouraging men to take an active role in campaigns against GBV and femicide fosters accountability and shifts cultural perceptions of power dynamics.
Community Education: In rural and urban Kenya alike, community dialogues can challenge the normalization of violence and promote healthier ways of resolving conflict.
The Path Ahead to Inclusive Gender-based Violence Campaigns
It’s equally important for male-led organizations to work alongside women and girls' GBV projects. Collaboration ensures that the broader narrative around gender based violence is inclusive, and it provides a platform for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices.
These efforts can lead to innovative approaches that address GBV as a systemic issue rather than one confined to specific genders.
By stepping up to advocate for male survivors while supporting the fight against violence targeting women and girls, men can pave the way for a society that values safety and dignity for everyone.
Empowering men and boys to take ownership of their role in the fight against gender-based violence ensures that no one is left behind in the journey toward a violence-free future.
Comments