Examining Reporting of Gender-Based Violence Incidents by Men in Intimate Relationships in Zambia: A Case Study of Chilenje Township

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.