UNDERREPORTING OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN: A STUDY OF MEN’S PERCEPTIONS IN EBONYI STATE

UNDERREPORTING OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN: A STUDY OF MEN’S PERCEPTIONS IN EBONYI STATE

1.1 Background of the Study

Underreporting of partner violence by men is a pervasive barrier to recognizing and addressing male victimization. In Ebonyi State, cultural expectations of male invulnerability and fear of ridicule deter men from disclosing abuse to police, health providers, or support services (Clair, 2018). Even when men wish to report, they anticipate disbelief or dismissal by authorities, reinforcing silence (Hofstraat & van Brakel, 2016).

Quantitative studies show that official statistics dramatically underestimate male victimization, capturing only a fraction of true incidence (Arango et al., 2018). Understanding men’s perceptions of barriers—social stigma, institutional bias, lack of male‐friendly services—is essential to designing mechanisms that encourage reporting and accurate data collection.

 

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite indications of significant underreporting, there is no systematic examination in Ebonyi State of the specific perceptions and fears that inhibit men from reporting partner violence. This knowledge gap undermines efforts to improve surveillance, allocate resources, and develop supportive infrastructures for abused men.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To document men’s perceptions of social and institutional barriers to reporting partner violence in Ebonyi State.

To quantify the extent to which these perceptions deter formal help‐seeking.

To propose strategies—policy reforms, public‐awareness campaigns, service enhancements—to reduce underreporting.

 

1.4 Research Questions

What are the predominant social perceptions that discourage men from reporting violence?

How do institutional factors—such as police attitudes or service availability—affect men’s reporting decisions?

Which interventions can effectively increase reporting rates among male survivors in Ebonyi?

 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Law Enforcement & Service Providers: Will learn how to adjust practices and training to be more male‐inclusive.

Policy Makers & NGOs: Evidence to guide legislative amendments and resource allocation for awareness and support programs.

Community Advocates & Media: Insights to craft messaging that challenges stigma and encourages disclosure.

 

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Survey of adult men (18–60) in urban (Abakaliki) and rural LGAs, supplemented by focus‐group discussions on reporting perceptions.

Limitations:

Response Bias: Men may downplay barriers or overstate willingness to report.

Generalizability: Findings may vary among different ethnic or socioeconomic groups not captured.

 

1.7 Definition of Terms

Underreporting: Failure to report incidents to formal authorities or support services, leading to official data gaps.

Institutional Bias: Prejudiced attitudes or practices within organizations that discourage certain groups from accessing services.

Help‐Seeking: The act of contacting formal or informal sources for assistance following victimization.

Male‐Friendly Services: Programs and protocols designed to be welcoming and effective for male survivors.

Public‐Awareness Campaign: Organized efforts to inform and shift societal attitudes through media and community outreach.