Suffering quietly! Culture and violence against men: a case study of domestic violence in Gayaza Nangabo sub county, Wakiso district

Abstract

The study sought to establish why men suffer quietly when they experience domestic violence or are violated by women. It looks at the specific role of culture in bringing about Violence against Men; particularly the Case of Domestic Violence against men in Gayaza Nangabo Sub County, Wakiso District. The study aimed at achieving the following objective; the causes of violence against men in families; the reasons why men suffer silently when violated by women in families, the impact of culture and violence (Domestic Violence) against men in families and the strategies for addressing violence (Domestic Violence) against men in families. The study adopted qualitative approach and a case study design to obtain the needed data. it used Interviews and Questionnaires to obtain data from 40 respondents comprising married women, men (including widowed, divorced) and Government officials (CDO, Probation officer, police officers, local leaders) Who were all selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques since they were in position of providing adequate and relevant information for the study as well as the opportunity for equality is selection of respondents. The findings showed that poor anger management, antisocial personality disorders and borderline personality disorders, tendency to dominate the relationships and substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorders and communication problems, biochemical imbalances and feelings of powerlessness, sexual abuse and stress are the causes of violence against men in families. A man is often reluctant to report victimization due to socio-cultural stereotypes of masculinity, thus Male victims of domestic violence hide in silence for fear of cultural reprimand. The findings of the study also showed that the best way to end violence against men is to prevent it from happening by addressing its root and structural causes. There is need to provide the organizations, communities, and individuals with the knowledge and tools required for mobilizing communities to prevent violence against men by relevant authorities. The study concluded that stakeholders in the sub-county should embark on developing, promoting and strengthening domestic violence monitoring systems so that solutions can be sought immediately and long term survival of such cases are systematically addressed.