By Emideiwahun K Rangad
I would like to state that violent acts happen to all genders. I am penning this down from a man’s perspective, prompted by the recent case of Raja Raghuvanshi a newly-wed husbands who was murdered and the suicide of Bangaluru techie Atul Subhash to mention a few that has shaken the entire country. These thoughts are grounded on the basis of the inequity observed among the two predominant genders, and not to be nonchalant towards the other genders. Therefore, I am writing this article on the premise of the recent research conducted and the evidence gathered where the participants were Khasi tribal men and the violence that some of them faced.
What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)? GBV is a worldwide occurrence. It is frequently characterised as the predominant form of human rights violation globally, as evidenced by several international forums such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Gender-based violence constitutes an expression of unequal gender relations within all human societies. It analyses the disparities that any genders may encounter.
The term GBV is often used synonymously with ‘violence against women’; however, research over the past decade has demonstrated that gender-based violence also affects men. Men have long been victims of gender-based violence in our culture, despite the predominant focus of research on women. A few researchers have highlighted the underreporting of gender-based violence against males, attributable to societal perceptions of males as strong and patriarchal. Consequently, violence perpetrated by women against men must be addressed with equal seriousness as violence against women globally. Achieving gender equality necessitates the empowerment of all individuals, regardless of gender, with equal rights and opportunities to contribute to society.
The stereotype that men are more likely to commit acts of gender-based violence persists. On the other hand, women can also be violent against men. Globally, one-third of women have experienced some form of physical or sexual assault, with spouses being the most common perpetrators (WHO, 2021). The CDC reports that 1 in 7 males experience physical violence at the hands of a partner and 1 in 6 men have been victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. The World Health Organisation reports that men are killed annually at twice the rate of women due to injuries and violence. It is important to understand that violence against men often happens in different context than violence against women. Gender-based violence is predominantly linked to intimate partner violence, with males as the perpetrators and women as the victims. The alteration in the socio-economic structure of families have resulted in violence affecting not only women but also men, who experience abuse in various forms: verbal, physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual.
Gender-based violence illustrates the complexities of gendered power relations. This violence directly arises from patriarchal power structures that normalise the domination of women’s bodies, sexuality, and autonomy. However, despite the traditional patriarchal structure that assigns authority to males, women may utilise intimate partner violence (IPV) to exert power, particularly when faced with social or economic disadvantages. Hines and Douglas further mentioned that female offenders of intimate partner violence may use their partner’s social standing, utilising violence to assert control in situations when their own authority could otherwise be undermined.
Patriarchal structures shape the power and control dynamics in intimate partner violence (IPV), perpetuating the notion that males are generally the aggressors and women the victims. These gendered expectations not only influence the experiences of female victims but also marginalise male victims, as they are frequently regarded as incapable of victimisation due to societal norms related to masculinity. Studies indicate that conventional gender norms linking masculinity to power and authority pose substantial obstacles for male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Fiebert noted that men are dissuaded from displaying vulnerability and are typically conditioned to repress emotions and seek assistance less often than women. Consequently, male victims may hesitate to report abuse or seek help, apprehensive of mockery, scepticism, or a compromised sense of masculinity. This hesitance is exacerbated by the patriarchal notion that males must perpetually assert control, hindering their ability to recognise their own victimisation, even internally.
The UK Office for National Information reports that one-third of domestic violence victims are men, with 25% of incidents reported to the police. In Bhutan, 69 male victims sought aid in 2023, and the number continues to rise. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that 44% of American men have experienced domestic violence, with 13% experiencing sexual assault, 5% physical abuse, and 20% being pursued by an intimate relationship.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India revealed that 29 out of every 1000 married women committed physical violence against their husbands between 2005-2016. This rate increased from 7 per 1000 in 2005-2006 to 29 per 1000 by 2015-2016. The percentage of married women engaging in domestic violence ranged from two per thousand in Sikkim to ninety per thousand in Tamil Nadu. The prevalence of marital violence increased rapidly in most states, except for Sikkim, Goa, and Mizoram, where it remained stable. In Andhra Pradesh, the rate increased from 10 per 1000 to 62 per 1000. The prevalence of violence was higher among the SC/ST (37/1000) than the OBC (29/1000) and other castes. Violence against husbands was also higher in nuclear families (34/1000) compared to non-nuclear families (28/1000) and among those living in the poorest households.
In my recent research conducted among Khasi men, it was found that the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among (405) Khasi males in East Khasi Hills District, is 22%. The study reported that the common type of IPV is verbal abuse with 24% (scolded, condemned, defamed) at the hands of their partners at least once a week followed by 15% who say that it is a combination of physical (slapping, kicking, pushing, punching, pull from the hair), verbal, emotional (insult, humiliation, belittling, controlling, look down upon) and psychological abuse.
The acknowledgement of violence against women and children is regarded as a breach of human rights. However, the recognition of men as victims of gender-based violence is significantly lacking. Article 21 of the Constitution of India clearly delineates the Rights of the Victim, encompassing the right to life and the right to liberty, regardless of gender. Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code was enacted to combat domestic violence, characterising it as any act of cruelty inflicted by a husband onto his wife. Section 3 of the Domestic abuse Act of 2005 stipulates that protection from domestic abuse is exclusively afforded to women. Additionally, legislation concerning marital abuse is biassed in favour of women, reflecting the higher prevalence of female victims. This leads to increased victimisation of men who have experienced domestic abuse. Given the growing evidence of male victims of intimate partner abuse, it is essential to reassess India’s current legislation on spousal violence to provide more progressive and comprehensive legal protections.
At the micro level starting from my individualistic male-self, upholding my knowledge about the gender biases (for instance laws favouring females) that exist, will enable discourses that will curb the dogmatic viewpoint, narratives and attitude that exist in our society. Moreover, encourage victims to seek help without fear of ridicule or dismissal. At the community level we can initiate the development of effective interventions and family support services for women, children and men whereby these centres could be designed for all gender who maybe at risks of violence and abuse by offering counselling, legal support, and resources to assist in managing the intricacies of abusive circumstances. Additionally, at a policy level, though there exist a commission for women and children, there is also a need to consider establishing mechanisms and commissions dedicated to addressing violence against men.
The conversation on gender-based violence must move towards inclusivity, acknowledging the complexities of gender dynamics while ensuring that support, resources, and justice are accessible to every individual who faces violence. The question now is: How can society collectively advance towards a framework that protects and uplifts all victims of violence?
(The writer is an Assistant Professor of the School of Social Work, Martin Luther Christian University)
