Gender-based violence (GBV) is often discussed in the context of women and girls. However, according to Nelson Mwanga, a clinical psychologist at Safe Places Uganda, men are also victims of gender-based violence — and their experiences are frequently overlooked.
Mwanga explains that GBV refers to harmful acts committed against a person’s will, based on socially constructed gender roles and expectations. When it comes to men, this means violence specifically targeted at them because they are male.
“First of all, we have to appreciate and understand what GBV is,” Mwanga notes. “These are harmful practices done against a person’s will, ascribed to gender differences between male and female.”
While physical violence against men does occur, Mwanga says emotional or psychological abuse is the most prevalent form.
This type of abuse can include humiliation, degradation, insults, and emotional torture. Some victims are subjected to constant verbal attacks that chip away at their self-worth and dignity.
“There are some people that, if they start on you, they can unpack you, humiliate you, degrade you — and you may even wish they had beaten you instead,” Mwanga explains.
Such sustained emotional abuse can leave deep psychological scars. Because it often does not leave visible marks, it is harder to identify and address, making it easier for victims to suffer in silence.
Although less commonly reported, men also experience physical violence from intimate partners. Mwanga acknowledges that there are women who perpetrate physical abuse, and some men endure this quietly due to fear of ridicule or disbelief.
Sexual violence against men is another reality, particularly in humanitarian and conflict settings. In war-torn areas, sexual violence is sometimes used as a weapon to humiliate and emasculate men.
“In such contexts, sexual violence against men is used as a tool of war to degrade them and make them feel worthless,” Mwanga says.
These experiences can leave long-lasting trauma, yet they remain largely underreported.
One of the major challenges in addressing GBV against men is underreporting. Mwanga points to shame, stigma, guilt, and fear of judgment as key barriers.
Many men are socialized to believe they must be strong and invulnerable. Admitting victimhood may feel like admitting weakness. As a result, they internalize their pain instead of seeking help.
“If a man is violated and doesn’t get somewhere safe to report, he is going to conceal and suffer with this pain internally,” Mwanga explains.
Unaddressed violence can have serious psychological effects. Men who experience traumatic violence may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Others may struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
If left untreated, these conditions can worsen over time, affecting not only the individual’s well-being but also their ability to function in society — at work, in relationships, and within their communities.
“When men lose their functionality, society as a whole becomes less functional,” Mwanga says.