Characterizing Domestic Violence Against Men: Insights From Kirinyaga Central Ward

Abstract

Domestic violence against men is a common social phenomenon that is at the centre of gender relations and other gender discourses. Despite its glaring prevalence and magnitude, the phenomenon of domestic violence against men is not well documented and most cases are known through the media and only when they are aggravated. Research on the issue reveals that different factors produce unique environments for men to experience violence from their intimate partners. The study sought to characterize domestic violence against men. The study site was Kirinyaga County and the study employed qualitative methodology. Guided by the Social Learning theory, the study investigated the drivers of domestic violence against men, the forms of violence and the coping mechanisms. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and key informant interviews were analysed through content and thematic analysis. Findings show that both perpetrator-related and victim-related factors combine in different magnitude to act as drivers of domestic violence against men. Desire to dominate, peer pressure, anger and frustrations, alcoholism and infidelity (our suspicion of) on the other hand contribute to the prevalence and persistence of domestic violence against women as drivers. Although sexual assault is apparent in domestic violence against men, physical and emotional violence are the common forms of violence. While physical violence entails acts such as burns, beating, and slapping, verbal abuse and shaming constitute emotional violence perpetrated against men by their intimate partners. Due to the violence, men adopt oscillatory pathways as coping mechanisms. These include further indulgence to alcohol, suicide ideation, and spiritual nourishment and reporting to police for redress. The study concludes that domestic violence against men is a complex social and gender issue that cannot be accounted for by a single factor. While some factors apply in some contexts, others drive domestic violence against men in different combinations and others are initial triggers of embedded factors. It is recommended that stakeholders strengthen the existing campaign and advocacy programs for awareness creation on the issue of domestic violence against men and in mitigation. Social networks for men need to be strengthened through welfare and support groups.