Male Lived Experience of Domestic Violence in the Households, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

Domestic violence against men (DVAM) remains a private affair in many Africa countries. That rarely draws attention of legislators, policy makers and members of society as it is with other family members. The study explored male lived experience of domestic violence (DV) in the household for a period of one year, their socio-demographic, forms of abuse, coping strategy, culture and government interventions. A qualitative method was adapted. A total 19 victims out of 40 participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Data was analyzed by thematic content analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from relevant authorities; informed consent and binding form were obtained from participants. Verbatim quotes were used to present the study findings. Three themes and three sub-themes emerged. Majority (19) did not reported their abuse, 15 were physically and emotionally abused. Ten reported to have adopted alcoholism as a coping strategy that exposed them to further victimization. Nineteen men suffered with little knowledge and awareness of government interventions to protect them. Socio- cultural norms attached to couples violence interfered with the reporting process by the witnesses and male victims to the law enforcement officers. There is need to equally implement gender- based violence laws and policy, and to challenge the held societal perceptions on DVAM.There is need to advocate for change in gender doing and alcohol abuse. A lifestyle, that exposure men to victimization and stigmatization at various levels in society. Police and society response needs to be objective to facilitate reporting, protection and prevention of DVAM, Nyeri County, Kenya.