By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS– Underreported: Domestic violence against men is often underreported due to societal norms and stigma.
Similar forms: Men can experience similar forms of domestic violence as women, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Less recognized: Domestic violence against men is often less recognized and acknowledged by society.
Shame and silence: Men may feel ashamed or embarrassed to report domestic violence, leading to silence and isolation.
Power dynamics: Domestic violence against men can be perpetrated by women or other family members.
Lack of support: Men may lack access to support services and resources for domestic violence.
Stigma and stereotypes: Societal stereotypes and stigma can prevent men from seeking help.
Complexity: Domestic violence against men can be complex, with multiple factors contributing to the abuse.
Need for awareness: Raising awareness about domestic violence against men is crucial for prevention and support.
Inclusive approach: Addressing domestic violence against men requires an inclusive approach that acknowledges the experiences of all individuals.
Forms of domestic violence against Men in Nigeria
Physical: Men may experience physical violence, such as hitting, kicking, or choking.
Emotional: Men may be subjected to emotional abuse, including name-calling, insults, or threats.
Psychological: Men may experience psychological manipulation, gaslighting, or control and other psychological abuse.
Financial: Men may be financially dependent on their partner or experience financial manipulation.
Sexual: Men may experience sexual violence or coercion.
Social isolation: Men may be isolated from friends, family, or social networks.
Verbal abuse: Men may be subjected to verbal abuse, including yelling, name-calling, or humiliation.
Intimidation: Men may experience intimidation, including threats or aggressive behavior.
Property damage: Men may experience property damage or destruction as a result of domestic violence.
Pressure: Men may face cultural or social pressure to maintain traditional roles or expectations.
Similar forms: Men globally experience similar forms of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Cultural variations: Cultural and societal norms can influence the forms and prevalence of domestic violence against men.
Global prevalence: Domestic violence against men is a global issue, affecting men from diverse backgrounds and cultures globally.
Lack of research: There is a need for more research on domestic violence against men globally.
Support services: Men globally may lack access to support services and resources for domestic violence.
Stigma and shame: Men globally may experience stigma and shame related to domestic violence.
Complexity: Domestic violence against men globally can be complex, with multiple factors contributing to the abuse.
Prevention
Awareness and education: Raising awareness and educating the public about domestic violence against men can help prevent abuse.
Promoting healthy relationships: Promoting healthy relationship dynamics and communication can help prevent domestic violence.
Support services: Providing support services and resources for men experiencing domestic violence can help prevent.
Awareness and recognition: Raising awareness and recognition of domestic violence against men is crucial for prevention and support of domestic violence against men.
Need for Inclusive Approach: Addressing domestic violence against men globally requires an inclusive approach that acknowledges the experiences of all individuals.
Global collaboration: Global collaboration is essential for advancing research, awareness, and support for men experiencing domestic violence.
Managing Domestic Violence against Men
Psychological
Counseling: Providing individual or group counseling to help victims process their experiences and emotions.
Trauma-Informed care: Using trauma-informed care approaches to ensure sensitive and supportive interactions.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Utilizing CBT to help victims identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Support groups: Facilitating support groups for victims to connect with others who have experienced similar situations.
Emotional support: Offering emotional support and validation to help victims feel heard and understood.
Safety planning: Assisting victims in developing safety plans to protect themselves and their loved ones against any form of domestic violence.
Empowerment: Focusing on empowering victims to regain control over their lives.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Using mindfulness-based interventions to help victims manage stress and anxiety.
Therapy: Providing family therapy to help victims and their families heal and rebuild relationships.
Collaboration: Collaborating with other professionals, such as law enforcement and social workers, to ensure comprehensive support for victims of domestic violence.
Social Management
Community awareness: Raising community awareness about domestic violence and its impact on individuals and families.
Support services: Providing support services, such as hotlines, shelters, and counseling, for victims of domestic violence.
Social support networks: Encouraging social support networks, such as friends and family, to provide emotional support and validation.
Public Policy: Advocating for public policies that protect victims of domestic violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Education and prevention: Educating the public about domestic violence prevention and promoting healthy relationships.
Community engagement: Engaging with community leaders and organizations to promote awareness and support for victims of domestic violence.
Collaboration: Collaborating with other organizations and agencies to provide comprehensive support services.
Safe spaces: Creating safe spaces for victims to seek help and support.
Empowerment: Empowering victims to take control of their lives and make informed decisions.
Accountability: Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of accountability.
Medical Management
Medical screening: Conducting medical screenings to identify and document injuries related to domestic violence.
Treatment: Providing medical treatment for physical injuries and health consequences related to domestic violence.
Referral: Referring victims to support services, such as counseling and advocacy.
Documentation: Documenting medical evidence of domestic violence in a way that is sensitive to the victim’s needs.
Safety planning: Assisting victims in developing safety plans to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Collaboration: Collaborating with other professionals, such as law enforcement and social workers, to ensure comprehensive support.
Trauma-Informed Care: Providing trauma-informed care to ensure sensitive and supportive interactions.
Mental health support: Providing mental health support and referrals for victims of domestic violence.
Health education: Educating victims about the health consequences of domestic violence and promoting healthy behaviors.
Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that support victims of domestic violence and promote their health and well-being by the government of the day.
Challenges and solutions
Domestic violence against men is often underreported, making it challenging to understand its true extent. The earlier the men talk about domestic violence the better for them.
To address this issue, there is a need for awareness and support systems that cater to male victims of domestic violence.
Laws and policies should be put in place to protect men from domestic violence and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
Changing societal attitudes and promoting gender balancing can help reduce domestic violence against men and encourage more men to seek help.
Awareness
Public campaigns: Organize public awareness campaigns to break the stigma surrounding male victims of domestic violence and encourage them to seek help.
Media representation: Promote media representation of male victims of domestic violence to raise awareness and spark conversations.
Support services
Hotlines and helplines: Establish hotlines and helplines specifically for male victims of domestic violence, providing a safe and confidential space to seek support.
Counseling services: Offer counseling services tailored to the needs of male victims, addressing emotional trauma, and providing guidance on how to navigate the situation.
Support groups: Create support groups for male victims of domestic violence, allowing them to share their experiences and connect with others who have gone through similar situations.
Legal framework
Inclusive laws: Ensure that domestic violence laws are inclusive and provide protection for male victims, without perpetuating stereotypes or biases.
Legal aid: Provide legal aid and representation to male victims of domestic violence, helping them navigate the legal system and access justice.
Community engagement
Community education: Educate community members about domestic violence, its impact on men, and the importance of supporting male victims.
Engagement: Engage men and boys in conversations about domestic violence, promoting healthy relationships and encouraging them to speak out against any form of domestic violence against men in the society.
Research and data collection
Research: Conduct research on domestic violence against men, exploring its prevalence, causes, and consequences.
Data collection: Collect data on domestic violence incidents involving male victims, helping to inform policy and service development accordingly.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Domestic Violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Domestic Violence.
World Health Organization. (2017). Strengthening health systems to respond to women subjected to intimate partner violence or sexual violence: a thematic paper.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is CEO and Director of clinical psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos.
+234 803 402 4457
