Abstract:
The study explored the phenomenon of domestic violence against men vis-à-vis the dynamics of
Philippine culture. Exploratory concurrent mixed methods (within qualitative methods),
consisting of multiple case study and phenomenology, was used. Eight male participants from
Pangasinan who experienced domestic violence in a heterosexual relationship within the last 5
years were purposively sampled and interviewed in depth. Data and analysis showed that men
experienced various forms of domestic violence that were similarly experienced by women such
as physical, emotional, economic, and sexual. Reasons why they experienced abuse included
partner’s controlling personality, fits of jealousy, meddling of in-laws, disagreements on
parenting style, no/lower income, vices, and others. Its effects were also similar to that of women
except that men felt more uncomfortable with their situation because it goes against their
expected role as a dominant gender in a predominantly macho culture. Consequently, this caused
them to feel reluctant to seek help, and greatly affected their self-worth and social lives. One
reason why they stayed in the abusive relationship is to avoid shame, whereas unhappiness and
self-respect made them decide to leave. Most of the participants employed escape-avoidance and
minimization tactics to cope with their situation. In sum, the study showed that domestic violence
is not just a gender issue, but a human issue; it victimizes both males and females, the young and
the old, and as such there is a call to deal with it more responsibly and appropriately, even in the
framing of policies and programs on domestic violence.
