MALE SURVIVORS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE: BARRIERS TO SEEKING HELP IN KADUNA STATE

MALE SURVIVORS OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE: BARRIERS TO SEEKING HELP IN KADUNA STATE

1.1 Background of the Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against men—encompassing physical assault, emotional abuse, and coercive control—remains underrecognized in Kaduna State. Cultural expectations of male strength and self‑sufficiency, coupled with fears of social ridicule, deter men from disclosing abuse or accessing formal support services (Lucksted & Drapalski, 2015). Even where shelters, hotlines, and counseling exist, they are typically tailored to female survivors, leaving male victims uncertain of their eligibility or welcome.

Research highlights that untreated trauma from IPV can lead to serious mental‑health consequences, including depression, post‑traumatic stress, and suicidal ideation (Arango et al., 2018). Moreover, help‑seeking is further complicated by institutional barriers—police unwillingness to record male victimization, and health‑care providers’ lack of training on male‑specific abuse presentations. In Kaduna State, where service infrastructure is already strained, understanding these multilayered barriers is essential to developing inclusive support systems.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Male survivors of IPV in Kaduna State face a dual challenge: societal stigma that silences disclosure and institutional gaps that fail to recognize or respond appropriately to their experiences. Without empirical data on the specific barriers—personal, cultural, and systemic—efforts to expand IPV services remain scattershot and ineffective.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To identify personal and sociocultural factors that discourage male survivors from seeking help.

To examine institutional barriers—within police, health, and social‑service sectors—that impede service access.

To recommend strategies for developing male‑inclusive IPV support services in Kaduna State.

 

1.4 Research Questions

What personal fears, beliefs, and perceptions prevent male survivors from reporting IPV or seeking assistance?

How do police, health‑care, and social‑service systems in Kaduna respond to men reporting IPV?

What programmatic and policy interventions can reduce barriers and improve service uptake among male survivors?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Health‑Care & Social‑Service Providers: Insights will guide training to recognize male IPV survivors and adapt services to their needs.

Law Enforcement & Legal Aid Organizations: Data will inform protocols for recording and investigating male‑reported IPV cases.

Policy Makers & NGOs: Recommendations can shape inclusive IPV policies and resource allocation for male‑focused support.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Qualitative interviews with 25 male survivors, 10 police officers, and 8 health/social‑service professionals in Kaduna State during 2024–2025.

Limitations:

Selection Bias: Survivors willing to be interviewed may differ from those still fully silenced by stigma.

Generalizability: Findings may not extend to other Nigerian states with different cultural dynamics.

 

1.7 Definition of Terms

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Abuse by a current or former intimate partner, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial violence (Myhill, 2017).

Help‑Seeking Behavior: The process of disclosing abuse and accessing formal or informal support services.

Societal Stigma: Negative social attitudes that label male victims as weak or undeserving of help (Hofstraat & van Brakel, 2016).

Institutional Barriers: Organizational policies, practices, or cultures that hinder service access for a particular group.

Male‑Inclusive Services: Support programs explicitly designed to welcome and meet the needs of male survivors.

 

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.

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.

Myhill, A. (2017). Measuring domestic violence: Context is everything. Journal of Gender‑Based Violence, 1(1), 33–47.