Exploring Domestic Violence Against Men in Selected Municipalities in Pangasinan

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.