An Analysis Of The Impact Of Gender Based Violence Against Men In Mutare District. Case Of Burma Valley Ward 27..

Abstract

This study focused on GBV against men which is something that is rarely talked. The worst part of GBV against men is that, when it does get talked about, discussion is almost always limited to the abuse that men do to women. A lot of people are of the idea that violence is not something that women do, and when the men who have been victims of women try to speak out they frequently encounter negative reactions like mockery and name calling to actual accusations like it is their own fault that they were abused. It is worse when those reactions come from the people of the law who are supposed to be protecting the same people. In addition, there is no excuse for any human rights body to deny GBV against men or to attack any man for discussing and sharing their experiences of it. This study critically analyse the causes, effects, impact as well as the consequences of GBV against men in Mutare District. The researcher collected data in the forms of interviews and focus group discussions. This research study was derived from the following research questions: What are the major causes of GBV against men in Mutare District, Identify men’s perspectives on GBV, Explore forms of GBV women use on men and strategies used by men to cope, what are the levels of reporting and disclosure by male survivors, what are the consequences of GBV against men and finally to investigate the barriers of GBV against male survivors. Data was collected by using both primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected by way of interviewing the respondents using interview and focus group discussions. The secondary data was collected through reviewing available and relevant literature on GBV against men. Data analysis was done by analysing data thematically. The findings of this research show that GBV against men is in form of physical assault, verbal abuse, sexual violence and psychological abuse. Effects GBV against men results in physical injury, lack of economic power, isolation, fear, depression, low self-esteem and HIV/AIDS were revealed. This study recommended that NGOs, the government and other stakeholders should educate society about female domestic GBV against men. The Police should also take GBV cases against men as men are also victims.