Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem affecting millions of people worldwide, irrespective of their gender. While women are considered the primary victims of IPV, studies have shown that male victims also experience violence from their partners. In India, the issue of male IPV victims is often overlooked due to the pervasive societal belief that men are always the aggressors in relationships. However, recent studies have shown that IPV against men in India is a pervasive issue that needs urgent attention.

According to a study conducted by the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) in 2018, nearly one in four men in India had experienced physical violence from their partners. The study also found that men who experienced IPV were more likely to have poor mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. Despite the prevalence of IPV against men, few resources are available to support them, and men are often reluctant to report abuse due to the stigma surrounding male victimhood.

One of the reasons for the under-reporting of male IPV victims is the lack of awareness and understanding of the issue. Many men do not recognize the abusive behaviours of their partners as violence and may even blame themselves for the abuse. Society’s expectations of men to be strong and masculine also contribute to the reluctance to seek help. Many male victims fear that seeking help will undermine their masculinity and expose them to ridicule and shame.

Another issue is that male victims of IPV face is the gendered nature of IPV discourse. The majority of attention paid to IPV has been on female victims, perpetuating the stereotype that men cannot be victims of IPV. This stereotype can lead to disbelief, discrimination, and inadequate support for male victims of IPV.

To address the issue of male IPV victims in India, there is a need for increased awareness and understanding of the problem among male victims and their communities. This includes increasing resources for male victims, such as counselling services, shelters, and legal aid.

The legal system must also recognize male IPV victims and create laws that provide equal protection to all genders. The Indian legal system also contributes to the under-reporting of male IPV victims. The current laws and policies in India do not recognize male victims of IPV, and the legal system assumes that men are always the perpetrators. The laws are heavily skewed in favour of women, which makes it difficult for men to report the abuse they face.

In conclusion, IPV against male victims is a pervasive issue in India that needs urgent attention. The stigma surrounding male victimhood and the lack of resources and legal protection make it difficult for men to seek help. Society must recognize that IPV can happen to anyone and create an environment where men feel comfortable seeking help. Only then can we address the issue of IPV against male victims in India and create a safer and more equitable society for all.

By ARUNIMA ROY

I, Arunima Roy, did my graduation in B.Sc(Hons). in Human Development from J.D.Birla Institute, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. I am pursuing my post graduation in criminology (with spl. in Forensic Psychology) from NFSU, Gandhinagar.