How different forms of domestic violence shape men’s responses: unpacking the hidden dynamics of male victimhood in Kigamboni, Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Social
Abstract
Domestic violence against men remains underreported, with male victims often lacking
institutional support and facing barriers to disclosure. This paper examined how men in
Kigamboni, Tanzania, respond to physical, sexual, financial, and psychological forms of
domestic violence, and whether the type of abuse influences their specific responses. A crosssectional design was employed utilizing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative
data from 133 male victims with qualitative data from focus group discussions and key
informant interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to determine whether the type of
violence predicted men’s responses, including retaliation, secrecy, reporting, relationship
termination, and seeking another partner. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative
data. Results show that sexual violence significantly predicted relationship termination (β =
0.292, p < 0.05), infidelity (β = 0.307, p < 0.01), withholding financial support (β = 0.288, p <
0.05), and retaliatory violence (β = 0.346, p < 0.01). Verbal/psychological abuse reduced the
likelihood of seeking another partner (β = -0.13, p < 0.05), while financial abuse increased
help-seeking from religious leaders (β = 0.205, p < 0.05). Formal reporting to police or social
welfare was rare. Qualitative findings revealed that men's responses were shaped by social
expectations, emotional strain, and the need to preserve identity and control. The study
concluded that men’s responses to domestic violence vary depending on the form of abuse and
are influenced by masculinity norms. The findings highlighted the importance of recognizing
male victimization and developing context-specific support mechanisms
Description
African Journal of Social
Keywords
Male Victims, Domestic Violence, Responses, Help-Seeking Behaviour, Masculinity Norms.
Citation
https://ajosdemar.com