TITLE:
Examining Reporting of Gender-Based Violence Incidents by Men in Intimate Relationships in Zambia: A Case Study of Chilenje Township
AUTHORS:
Mwiza Sikamikami, Brian Mumba, Kavuyi Kamelu
KEYWORDS:
Gender-Based Violence, Violence against Men, Intimate Partner Violence, Reporting of Gender-Based Violence Incidents
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
25,
2023
ABSTRACT: Gender-based
violence is a very habitually used phenomenon in our society. Women and men are
both victims of this crime but in most cases, it turns out that majority of men
experiencing gender-based violence from their intimate partners tend to shy
away from reporting the gender-based incidents. Therefore, this study examined
reporting of gender-based violence incidents by men in intimate relationships
in Chilenje Township, Lusaka, using a simple exploratory qualitative research
design. The study collected data through semi-structured interview guides from
30 men who were GBV victims. The study results revealed that men experience
gender-based violence and are concerned with the depth of this problem in their
communities. Forms of GBV experienced by men ranged from sexual harassment,
sexual violence, physical violence, and emotional and financial to spiritual
gender-based violence. Sadly, these forms of GBV incidents against men are
rarely reported by men. Study respondents revealed that it is uncommon for a
man to report GBV. Many reasons contribute to men not reporting the GBV
incidents against them. Study participants blamed women-centered government
policies as contributing factors to ever-increasing GBV against men, lack of
awareness and strong cultural traditional values among men, and weak protection
of male GBV victims by law enforcement agencies. The study results, therefore,
provide essential insights into reporting gender-based violence incidents by
men in Chilenje Township, Zambia. This evidence is necessary for developing
interventions aimed at curbing GBV against men and may also suggest the need to
design programmes specifically aimed to create awareness and sensitization
among men.