The Socio-Cultural Cost of Men as Victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Nigeria

Abstract

IPV is a significant worldwide problem. In general, men are considered perpetrators of this type of violence, but they can also be victims. Relevant pieces of literature uphold women as the principal victims of IPV. An emerging question raised within this context is, “What about the men who are also victims of IPV?” So far, there are limited studies that describe men as victims, especially in Nigeria and West Africa. The routine activity theory of Cohen and Felson was used to provide a theoretical backdrop to the discourse in this study. Precipitant factors like class, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion influence male victimisation circles. Indeed, policymakers, social and health care planners, and providers have not paid much attention to men’s victimisation at the local and international levels. There is an urgent need to modify policies and laws concerning IPV by including men as victims.