Domestic violence perpetrated against men in Kigamboni Municipality, Tanzania: Evidence from social ecological framework
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Domestic violence against men (DVAM) is an underexplored issue globally, especially in patriarchal societies.
While most existing studies focus on individual-level factors such as income, age, and education, they often
overlook the broader social, cultural, and relational contexts that influence male victimization. This study ad-
dresses this gap by examining DVAM through the Social Ecological Model (SEM), which analyses the interplay of
individual, relational, and community-level dynamics. A mixed-methods approach combined quantitative data
from 133 male victims with qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant associations between age disparities, income dif-
ferences, and power dynamics with psychological, sexual, and financial violence (p < 0.05). Men significantly
older than their partners were more likely to experience sexual violence, while men who earned more than their
partners faced increased risks of sexual and psychological abuse. The SEM analysis revealed how patriarchal
norms and community-level stigma discourage male victims from seeking help, perpetuating cycles of abuse. The
study concludes that DVAM in Kigamboni Municipality is driven by entrenched cultural norms and relational
conflicts stemming from financial and power imbalances. It recommends gender-neutral legal reforms by the
Parliament and Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, community awareness campaigns to reduce stigma
led by NGOs and community leaders. These interventions aim to challenge harmful norms, empower male
victims, and provide practical solutions for recovery and prevention
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Domestic violence against men, Social ecological model, Male victimization, Psychological, Sexual violence
Citation
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102412