A gender advocate, Dr Adetoun Dally, says fear of stigma, societal condemnation and rigid expectations of masculinity prevent many Nigerian men from reporting domestic violence and seeking professional help.
Dally made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, explaining that societal expectations often portray men as strong and emotionally invulnerable. She said such beliefs could expose male victims to ridicule and disbelief when they speak about abuse.
According to the advocate, men may experience verbal, physical, emotional and psychological abuse but remain silent because of the pressure to conform to traditional ideas of manhood. She said some victims endure abusive relationships for years, with concerns about their children’s welfare and fear of losing access to them influencing decisions to delay separation or divorce.
Dally said domestic violence should not be viewed as an issue affecting women alone, noting that growing awareness and changing institutional responses were helping to address misconceptions about male victims. She added that existing domestic violence laws did not discriminate by gender and that cases involving men should receive the same legal attention as those involving women.
The advocate called for more training of law enforcement personnel and professionals handling domestic violence cases, alongside stronger reporting channels, public sensitisation and support systems. She urged families, community leaders and relevant organisations to create safe spaces where victims can seek assistance without fear of humiliation or stigma.
Leave a Reply