Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
A 35-year-old man from Mount Zonwe, Marange, has shared his harrowing experience as a victim of domestic abuse, drawing attention to the overlooked issue of male victimisation in violent relationships.
The disturbing account centres around a 27-year-old woman (name withheld) whose violent tendencies were exposed through a viral video depicting her assaulting her 11-year-old daughter.
While the focus remains on the children, it is crucial to highlight the often-ignored suffering of men in similar situations.
In an interview with our Mutare Bureau, the woman’s sister-in-law, Ms Desire Marindire said the abuse has been going on for quite some time, although it had largely remained concealed.
The woman’s husband of 12 years, who has endured years of physical and emotional abuse, revealed that he is not just a bystander in this distressing narrative.
“I am also a victim of my wife’s physical assaults,” he disclosed on condition of anonymity. “She has always been a violent person who bursts even when you don’t expect it. However, l cannot raise my hand to beat up a woman.”
“At one time, she even uprooted some of my dreadlocks,” he said as he showed our crew some bald patches on his head.
“I reported to the police after she hit me some time back but they ended up just counselling her after l asked them to let her go,” he said.
His statement highlights the reality that men can experience abuse from their partners and often remain silent due to societal stigma.
He acknowledged, “I had not seen her beating the children, perhaps because I am always away at work. I think the children were threatened not to disclose the abuse to me.”
The woman’s brother remarked on the severity of the situation, “My sister is short-tempered to the point that she sometimes faints when she gets angry.”
This revelation invites us to reconsider the narratives surrounding domestic violence, particularly during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and combating violence in various forms.
While the campaign primarily emphasises abuse against women, it is vital to acknowledge that men, too, can endure abuse and suffer in silence.
The stigma around male victimhood often prevents men from speaking out against their abusers, thereby perpetuating a cycle of silence and fear.
As the husband articulated, both he and his children lived under the shadow of fear instilled by their abuser, highlighting a pressing need for greater awareness and resources for male victims of domestic violence.
In light of the 16 Days of Activism, advocates argue for a more holistic approach to addressing GBV, one that includes support systems for men suffering in silence.
The narrative should shift towards fostering an environment where all victims, regardless of gender, feel empowered to seek help and speak out against their abusers. Society needs to work towards dismantling harmful stereotypes and encouraging a unified fight against all forms of violence.
