By Augustine Ehikioya
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has raised alert on male Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
It noted that the male victims of gender-based violence are not speaking up due to fear of stigmatization.
In a statement obtained by Security Watch Africa on Thursday, SAPS said “Talking about gender-based violence (GBV) can be a difficult task for anyone. It can be painful, confusing and make one feel ashamed, inadequate and isolated.
“Being a man, can make it worse. Stigmatization, misinformation and continuation of masculine stereotypes ‘prevent’ men from reporting abuse against them.
“They are called degrading names and are told to ‘be a man’ to be fully accepted in the community,”
It added “Many men remain silent because they think there is no point in reporting the abuse because no-one will ever believe them.
“Unfortunately, this handicaps the fight against GBV. GBV is a violation of human rights and a crime against ALL genders.
“Common myths such as that ‘what happens at home, should stay at home’ are destructive. It makes preventing GBV in families and societies difficult.
“It affects the provision of help and support services, thereby exposing the abused person to greater harm, with possible fatal consequences.”
The statement said that the effects of GBV on male victims are “the same as on female victims.”
It said “Men also experience physical pain and injuries, feel deeply shamed and humiliated, experience a loss of self-worth and confidence, feel isolated and turn to destructive behavior such as violent outbursts and substance abuse.”
Some tips when being exposed to GBV, the statement said, included, Document the abuse (for record and reporting purposes), Find a support system – TALK ABOUT IT! (Family, friends, colleagues), Take a proactive approach to your own safety, REACH OUT to the GBV Hotline 0800 428 428.”
“REMEMBER, in order to adequately start addressing GBV as global pandemic, the causes and consequences of GBV against both genders need to be continuously addressed. STAYING SILENT PERPETUATES THIS CRISIS,” it stated.