SOCIETAL STIGMA AND MALE VICTIMHOOD: A STUDY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN IN LAGOS STATE

SOCIETAL STIGMA AND MALE VICTIMHOOD: A STUDY OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN IN LAGOS STATE

1.1 Background of the Study

Violence against men—physical, emotional, or psychological—remains a largely unacknowledged phenomenon in Nigeria’s most populous state, Lagos. Patriarchal norms dictate that men must be strong and self-reliant, rendering any admission of abuse a source of shame and perceived weakness (Clair, 2018). This cultural stigma discourages male victims from disclosing incidents, seeking help, or accessing support services. Even media campaigns and policy discussions on domestic violence tend to focus exclusively on women and children, reinforcing the invisibility of male victimhood (Lucksted & Drapalski, 2015).

 

Psychological research indicates that stigma—both public and self-imposed—exacerbates mental-health outcomes among abused individuals, leading to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal (Arango et al., 2018). In Lagos State, where urban anonymity might offer some protection, male survivors still report fears of ridicule, disbelief by authorities, and loss of social status if they speak out (Hofstraat & van Brakel, 2016). Understanding the role of societal stigma is therefore critical to developing inclusive support frameworks and encouraging reporting among male victims.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite evidence that men in Lagos experience violence within intimate and familial relationships, there is virtually no data on how societal stigma shapes their willingness to report abuse or seek assistance. This gap in knowledge undermines efforts by social-welfare agencies and policymakers to design gender-inclusive interventions, leaving male survivors without recourse.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the forms and prevalence of violence experienced by men in Lagos State.

 

To explore how societal and self-stigma influence men’s decisions to disclose abuse and access support services.

 

To recommend stigma-reduction strategies that encourage male victim reporting and tailor support mechanisms to their needs.

 

1.4 Research Questions

What types of violence (physical, emotional, financial) are most commonly reported by male victims in Lagos State?

 

How do public attitudes and internalized stigma affect men’s help-seeking behaviors?

 

What community-based interventions can effectively reduce stigma and improve access to services for male survivors?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Policy Makers & NGOs: Will gain insights to develop gender-inclusive domestic-violence policies and awareness campaigns.

 

Mental-Health Practitioners: Data on stigma’s impact will inform therapy and outreach strategies that address self-stigma in male clients.

 

Community Leaders & Media: Evidence to guide sensitization programs that challenge norms equating victimhood with weakness.

 

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Mixed-methods study of men aged 18–60 in urban and peri-urban Lagos communities who have experienced violence in the past two years.

 

Limitations:

 

Underreporting Bias: Stigma may lead to under-disclosure, affecting prevalence estimates.

 

Cultural Sensitivity: Varied ethnic and socioeconomic groups may experience stigma differently, limiting uniform conclusions.

 

1.7 Definition of Terms

Public Stigma: Negative societal attitudes and stereotypes that label victims as weak or unmanly (Hofstraat & van Brakel, 2016).

 

Self-Stigma: Internalization of negative beliefs, leading individuals to hide their victimization (Lucksted & Drapalski, 2015).

 

Help-Seeking Behavior: Actions taken to obtain formal or informal support following violence.

 

Male Victimhood: The condition of men who experience abuse within intimate or familial relationships.

 

Stigma-Reduction Strategies: Interventions—education, media campaigns, peer support—aimed at diminishing negative attitudes and self-blame.

 

List of References

Arango, C., Díaz-Caneja, C. M., McGorry, P. D., Rapoport, J., Sommer, I. E., Vorstman, J. A., … Carpenter, W. (2018). Preventive strategies for mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(7), 591–604.

 

Clair, M. (2018). Stigma. Core concepts in sociology, 318–321.

 

Hofstraat, K., & van Brakel, W. H. (2016). Social stigma towards neglected tropical diseases: a systematic review. International Health, 8(suppl_1), i53–i70.

 

Lucksted, A., & Drapalski, A. L. (2015). Self-stigma regarding mental illness: Definition, impact, and relationship to societal stigma.