The Overlooked Crisis: Gender-Based Violence Against Men and Societal Bias

The Overlooked Crisis: Gender-Based Violence Against Men and Societal Bias

When discussions about gender-based violence (GBV) arise, the dominant narrative focuses on women as the primary victims. This is largely due to the extensive documentation and research conducted on violence against women, which highlights its prevalence, severity, and long-term impact. However, this focus has inadvertently contributed to a significant blind spot: the existence of GBV against men. While GBV against women is undoubtedly a critical issue, the lack of attention to male victims perpetuates a dangerous misconception, that men do not suffer from GBV to a comparable extent. The reality is that GBV against men is underreported, misunderstood, and often dismissed due to societal biases that frame men only as perpetrators rather than victims.

The Underreporting and Misconstruing of Statistics

One of the biggest challenges in assessing GBV against men is the issue of underreporting. Studies have shown that men are far less likely to report being victims of violence (physical or emotional) due to factors such as stigma, societal expectations of masculinity, and the fear of not being taken seriously. This leads to a misleading statistical representation that suggests men experience significantly less GBV than women. However, the numbers do not necessarily reflect the true scope of the issue but rather the societal barriers that discourage male victims from coming forward.

For instance, in many countries, support services, legal frameworks, and institutional structures are primarily designed to address GBV against women. Shelters, crisis centers, and advocacy campaigns often exclude men, reinforcing the notion that they do not or should not require protection. As a result, when men experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or emotional abuse, they are left with limited options for recourse. Many choose silence over reporting, further skewing the statistics in favor of the traditional GBV narrative that primarily recognizes female victims.

Additionally, many official GBV reports classify incidents based on available data, which disproportionately represents female victims. Because male victims are less likely to report violence, their cases do not get recorded at the same rate, giving the impression that GBV against men is a negligible problem. This has created a feedback loop where policymakers and researchers, relying on these statistics, continue to frame GBV as a women’s issue, leading to a lack of resources and awareness for male victims.

Societal Bias and the Dismissal of Male Victims

There is a deeply ingrained societal bias that assumes men should be strong, resilient, and capable of defending themselves. This belief not only makes it difficult for male victims to come forward but also leads to their experiences being minimized or ridiculed when they do. Men who report being victims of domestic violence often face skepticism or even blame, with authorities and peers questioning why they did not fight back.

This bias is particularly evident in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV). While IPV against women is widely recognized and condemned, men who suffer from abusive partners often find themselves dismissed or even mocked. Some studies indicate that male victims of IPV experience similar forms of coercion, control, and physical violence as female victims, yet they are less likely to be believed or supported. In many legal systems, male victims may find it difficult to obtain restraining orders or gain custody of children in cases of abusive relationships because courts tend to favor the perception of men as dominant rather than vulnerable. I saw this very scenario played out in a friend's life who I was very close to.

Similarly, sexual violence against men is vastly underreported due to the stigma surrounding male victimization. The deeply entrenched societal perception that men cannot be raped particularly by women creates an environment where male victims feel ashamed, disbelieved, or unworthy of seeking justice. This misconception is rooted in outdated gender norms that equate masculinity with dominance, physical strength, and an inherent ability to protect oneself from harm. Men who experience sexual violence often face intense social stigma that prevents them from coming forward.

The Consequences of Ignoring Male Victims

The failure to adequately recognize and address male victimization has long-term consequences for individuals and society. Unacknowledged trauma has led to severe psychological effects, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Studies indicate that men who experience sexual violence are at higher risk of mental health issues, yet they are less likely than women to seek professional help, a sad reality.

Furthermore, ignoring male victimization reinforces harmful gender stereotypes that not only hurt men but also contribute to an imbalanced understanding of GBV as a whole. By acknowledging and addressing violence against men, society can move toward a more inclusive and effective approach to combating GBV in all its forms against both men and women.

Conclusion

Violence against men is a significant but often invisible issue due to stigma, social biases, and legal inadequacies. The perception that men cannot be raped especially by women leads to a culture of silence where male survivors feel ashamed, disbelieved, or unsupported. Legal frameworks around the world must be reformed to recognize male victims, law enforcement must be better trained to handle these cases sensitively, and society must challenge the damaging myths that prevent men from seeking justice. Addressing GBV requires an inclusive approach one that acknowledges the suffering of all victims, regardless of gender.