Domestic violence has no gender

The disclosure that approximately 400 male victims of domestic violence have received assistance from the Human Services and Social Security Ministry since 2021 should prompt a national conversation about how domestic violence is understood, reported and addressed.
For decades, domestic violence advocacy has rightly focused on protecting women and girls, who continue to account for a significant proportion of victims worldwide. That focus has helped bring attention to an issue that was once hidden behind closed doors and often dismissed as a private family matter. Laws have been strengthened, support systems expanded, and public awareness campaigns have challenged long-standing cultural attitudes that tolerated abuse.
However, the reality of domestic violence is more complex than many public perceptions suggest. Abuse is not confined to one gender, age group, ethnicity or socioeconomic background. It is fundamentally an abuse of power and control, and anyone can become a victim.
The fact that hundreds of men have sought support services in recent years demonstrates that male victimisation is not an isolated phenomenon. It exists within communities across the country, often hidden by stigma, embarrassment and fear of public ridicule. Many men who experience physical, emotional, psychological or financial abuse may remain silent because of deeply ingrained societal expectations about masculinity. Cultural norms frequently portray men as strong, self-reliant and capable of handling personal difficulties without assistance. As a result, acknowledging victimhood can be perceived as a sign of weakness, discouraging many from seeking help.
This silence comes at a significant cost and domestic violence can have devastating consequences regardless of the victim’s gender. Physical injuries may be the most visible outcome, but emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, social isolation and economic hardship often leave lasting scars. Children who witness violence within the home may also suffer long-term psychological effects, perpetuating cycles of unhealthy relationships and conflict.
Recognising male victims does not detract from the urgent need to protect women. Rather, it strengthens the principle that all victims deserve protection, support and access to justice.
In this regard, the availability of services to both men and women is encouraging as a ccess to counselling, legal assistance, shelter, psychosocial support and emergency interventions shows an understanding that recovery from abuse requires a comprehensive approach. Equally important is the effort to make these services accessible through centralised support systems and regional outreach, reducing barriers that often prevent victims from seeking help.
Yet support services alone cannot fully address the issue and as such public education remains essential. Many people still struggle to identify certain forms of abuse, particularly emotional manipulation, coercive control and financial exploitation. Domestic violence is often mistakenly viewed solely through the lens of physical assault. In reality, abuse can take many forms, all of which can undermine an individual’s dignity, safety and wellbeing.
Greater awareness is also needed to challenge stereotypes surrounding male victims. Reports of abuse involving men are frequently met with jokes, disbelief or dismissive attitudes. Such reactions can discourage reporting and reinforce the notion that male suffering is somehow less serious or less deserving of attention. A society committed to justice cannot afford to measure the legitimacy of a victim’s experience based on gender.
At the same time, efforts to address domestic violence must continue to emphasise accountability for perpetrators. Effective intervention requires supporting victims as well as confronting behaviours that enable abuse. Prevention programmes, conflict resolution education, counselling services and community engagement initiatives all have a role to play in reducing violence within households and relationships.
The recent public attention surrounding domestic violence involving a male victim has
Domestic violence remains one of society’s most persistent social challenges as it thrives in silence, secrecy and stigma. Breaking that cycle requires recognising every victim, regardless of gender, and ensuring that support mechanisms are available without prejudice. Abuse is unacceptable in any form, against any person.