PREVALENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN ON THEIR PERCEIVED MASCULINITY: PERSPECTIVE FROM WESTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This paper examined how masculinity is constructed, how men view their masculinity and how it is affected in cases of domestic violence perpetrated against them by their wives in Nigeria. It focuses on male victims of domestic violence within Western Nigeria. The paper employs family conflict theory by Richard Gelles and Murray Straus (1990) as a lens of analysis. The theory presupposes that, family plays a significant function in forming a person’s practices and that conflict is inherent in all human gatherings including families. This theory assumes that behavior of one family member (for example violent husband) is affected by responses and feedbacks of the other members of the family (for example wife).
Statement of the Problem: Domestic abuse is a major societal and economic burden across the world. However, the most familiar type is women abuse with men being the perpetrators. In reality though, most men are suffering in silence from violence perpetrated by their intimate partners. This is mainly due to the masculinity norms that put so much pressure on men to restrain their emotions and be seen as strong and macho especially in their homes.
Methodology: In relation to this paper, the theory assumes that women are equally likely to initiate violence and with equal motivations as men. Conflict may also arise when traditional family structures change for example more women entering labor market and being more conscious of their rights and thus retaliate to the men’s abuse. The questions this paper attempts to answer are whether domestic violence exist against men in Nigeria, how masculinity is constructed in Nigeria, what defines a man in Nigeria and what are the implications of domestic violence against Men (DVAM) on their perceived masculinity in Nigeria?
Result: The findings revealed diverse experiences of the effect of domestic violence against men including stigmatization, discrimination, constant ridicule, denial of conjugal rights, and disrespect among others. These findings provide important insights to stakeholders in helping to fight incidences of domestic violence in the community.
Keywords: Domestic violence, Men, Masculinity
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