| dc.description.abstract | For decades, domestic violence has remained a social problem encountered by various families. It has social, economic, psychological and health consequences on the victim. Both men and women are potential victims and perpetrators of the vice. However, it has been commonly understood that women are only victims and men are the perpetrators. Several studies have dwelled on female victimization thus gathering enough information about it. Several policies and interventions that have been put in place mostly protect women from men. The issue of male victimization has been overlooked and this explains the limited knowledge around it. This dissertation sought to explore the experiences of domestic violence among men and assess their coping mechanisms. In the search for men’s experiences of domestic violence, the study intents were to establish the nature of domestic violence perpetrated against men, assess factors that lie beneath male victimization and examine coping mechanisms adopted by male survivors of domestic violence. The study involved male survivors of domestic violence who were recruited from MFADVU an organization found in Najjanankumbi, Kampala City. The study adopted an exploratory cross-sectional case study design using qualitative methods. A total number of ten (10) purposively selected male survivors of domestic violence were interviewed; four focus group discussions were conducted with male survivors and four (4) key informants interviewed. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with the survivors using an interview guide. Notes were taken, responses recorded during interviews. Data was then transcribed, edited, categorized and coded according to study objectives. Thematic analysis was employed and several themes identified based on their repetition. Results from the study indicate that male victims of domestic violence experience: physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse and harmful traditional practices. Emotional violence is the most common form of domestic violence that men experience. Women find it easier to insult, threaten to harm, withhold love and attention than perpetrate other forms of domestic violence. Study participants identified women emancipation, suspected infidelity, and inadequate knowledge about traditional marriage values to be some of the causes of male victimization of domestic violence. Victims get overwhelmed and as a result, they engage in extramarital affairs, and retaliate to deal with the violence. It emerged that a few victims that have gathered the confidence to seek help have not been given the necessary support. Authorities and informal service providers do not recognize male victimization. Instead, a lot of attention has been given to men as perpetrators. However, study participants recognized and appreciated the steps that have been taken by MFADVU to address the rights of men. MFADVU has helped male victims to overcome their challenge (domestic violence) as it provides them with pscho-social and legal support. In conclusion, the superior position of men has put them in a position where they are vulnerable to domestic violence and it also informs their help-seeking practices. Service providers believe more in male perpetration of domestic violence. The patriarchal sentiments held by society have affected the attitude of service providers and the help-seeking practices of the victims. Therefore, to change the long-held perception that men are the perpetrators of domestic violence, service providers need to recognize male victimization and render equal treatment to both male and female victims of domestic violence. | en_US |
