MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Although people have a hard time believing it, intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic violence (DV) affect people of all genders, and the psychological and emotional scars it leaves are the same. The Centre for African Justice, Peace, and Human Rights released an article on “Male Domestic Violence in South Africa and Nigeria” and listed the below as impacts of abuse on the male gender: anxiety, depression, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an inferiority complex that involves feeling “less of a man” or having less control over your own body, feeling on- edge and being unable to relax. Not surprisingly, these are the same symptoms experienced by all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender. Of course, women typically describe the experience of the inferiority complex as feeling like “less of a woman” rather than “less of a man” but these are nothing more than gendered expressions of the underlying dehumanisation that is common among all survivors of domestic violence. The Centre for African Justice, Peace, and Human Rights recommended solution to this problem is for victims to speak up, get help as soon as possible, and create more awareness of the issue and existing laws that protect men who suffer abuse. Once again, a similar solution would be suitable for IPV and DV victims of all genders. Collective Action Magazine speaks to Hungani Ndlovu on his life journey and where he struggled with bullying and intimate partner violence. He opens up about his experience with and recovery from the abuse. Thanks to Hungani's courage we are reminded that it is possible to experience terrible circumstances and overcome them with hope, healing and full restoration.
June 2023 | Collective Action Magazine Collective Action Magazine
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