Experiences of men facing domestic violence in Nawanyago sub county, Kamuli district.

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine experiences of men facing domestic violence in Nawayango Sub County, Kamuli district. The study specifically aimed to explore the forms of violence experienced by men in the context of domestic violence, to identify the consequences of domestic violence against men, to identify the perceived causes of domestic violence against men as well as examine ways in which men experiencing domestic violence managed their problems. The study was purely qualitative with a total of fifteen (15) participants who were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews with the primary participants. In addition, key informant interviews were conducted with members of staff of the office Local Council Chairperson and the Community Development Officer. The study findings revealed several forms of domestic violence including fighting, denial of sexual rights and use of abusive language. Alcoholism, poverty, family disagreement, adultery as well as late coming were reported as the leading causes of domestic violence against men. The consequences of domestic violence according to the study were low self esteem, sustaining injuries, family separation as well as insomnia. I recommend that government and non-government organizations should provide moral support to men who suffer domestic violence as this will boost confidence in terms of opening up about violence. Secondly, efforts should be channeled towards helping victims in a way that they are able to adopt better measures to manage domestic violence. Resources can be in form of creating peer support groups that can help people easily access professional support for instance, a toll-free line with quick response to survivors.