Psychosocial effects of domestic violence and coping strategies among male victims in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

The present study examines the experiences of male victims of domestic violence (DV), specifically, the psychosocial effects of DV on male victims and the coping strategies that they use. This investigation was motivated by research findings indicating that men experience considerable distress resulting from domestic violence victimization. This distress is reported as manifesting in a range of psychological, social and emotional problems. A total of 12 men participated in the study, aged between 28 and 47 years. The study used semi-structured interviews as part of a qualitative research design. Results showed that shame, anxiety, and fear were prominent themes in participants’ experiences of the psychosocial effects of domestic violence. In terms of participants’ coping strategies, substance use, counseling, and religion emerged as the major themes. These findings are relevant for guiding the design of appropriate and effective clinical and community-based interventions for male victims of DV. They are also beneficial in expanding our understanding of men’s help seeking patterns following DV victimization. It is recommended that future research examines the factors that drive these patterns so as to build up on the field’s knowledge base about the ways to support them.