Domestic Violence Against Men: A Mixed Study from India

Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigates the prevalence, nature, and impacts of domestic violence against men in India, focusing on the northern region near the national capital, Delhi. Data was collected from 587 participants between September and December 2024 through an online survey administered via Google Forms, designed with expert input to ensure validity and comprehensiveness. The questionnaire comprised seven sections, beginning with an introductory overview, a consent form, demographic details, and followed by targeted questions addressing various facets of domestic violence experienced by men. Quantitative analysis employed Likert scales, non-parametric, and descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were extracted from open-ended responses, images, and documents shared by participants, including distressing evidence such as threatening images, newspaper clips, and suicide notes.

The study’s qualitative data reveal recurring themes of humiliation, emotional and physical abuse, extortion, threats, and false accusations faced by male victims. Participants detailed incidents of verbal and physical assaults, emotional manipulation, false legal cases, and extortion demands running into crores of rupees, often accompanied by threats of harm or suicide. Many respondents reported an absence of emotional support and professional challenges, including difficulties in navigating the legal system and societal biases. Quantitative reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.526, indicating acceptable internal consistency for the core variables, with exploratory factor analysis confirming sampling adequacy.

The findings underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of domestic violence against men in India, highlighting issues of systemic neglect, societal stigma, and the need for targeted legal and psychosocial interventions. The evidence suggests that male victims often endure humiliation, emotional distress, and financial exploitation, compounded by a lack of support mechanisms. This study calls for increased awareness, policy reforms, and community-based support systems to address this under-recognized form of domestic violence.