Abused by the Patriarchy: Male Victims, Masculinity, “Honor”-Based Abuse and Forced Marriages

Abstract

The causes and effects of what is often referred to as “honor”-based violence/abuse (HBV/A) and forced marriages on men and boys is an under-researched field of patriarchal violence. This lack of research has resulted in an imperfect understanding of how and why men become victims of HBV/A and an absence of an effective theoretical framework in which to analyze their experiences. Through an examination of 29 Case Files obtained through a gender-neutral domestic abuse refuge charity in the East Midlands, the United Kingdom, this original research will explore the ways that men, particularly younger males and those who do not conform to cultural norms of masculinity, are harmed by patriarchal structures. In doing so, this article brings to light new data and adds to the patriarchal framework for understanding HBV/A and why it is committed against men. The results of this study reveal that the ways in which HBV/A and forced marriages were presented in the Case Files present both analogies to and distinctions with the infliction of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in similar circumstances. This discovery is important for several reasons: (a) it demonstrates that men and boys are harmed by patriarchy and that patriarchal theories of violence must therefore evolve to better recognize groups of male victims; (b) it provides a typological framework to identify the different types of male victims, the types of abuse and the perpetrators involved, including the involvement of mothers as primary and secondary perpetrators; and (c) that male victims require appropriate intervention and must be taken seriously by state agencies if men are to come forward and disclose abuse.

Addressing the Legal Void: Ensuring Justice for Adult Male Rape Victims in Bangladesh

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Communication Gap in Impression Management by Fathers on Their Adolescent Sons

“…It is often perceived that actions with significant impact are viewed as assertive and commanding in nature. This consequential action is perceived as a figure that is strict and feared, [24].…”

Gender‐based violence: Relevance for fisheries practitioners

“…The term ‘gender‐based’ is used when violence is shaped by gender roles and expectations, power and status in society (Russo & Pirlott, 2006). Although most GBV is perpetrated by men against women, it does include targeted violence towards LGBTQI + persons, or the harassment or rape of men to shame them for being feminine (Idriss, 2022); both of which stem from harmful gender norms (i.e. beliefs and expectations about the different roles, responsibilities and behaviours of women and men).…”

“…LGBTQI + persons, or the harassment or rape of men to shame them for being feminine (Idriss, 2022); both of which stem from harmful gender norms (i.e. beliefs and expectations about the different roles, responsibilities and behaviours of women and men).…”