Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Gibson Mhaka
RESEARCH has revealed a complex relationship between gender-based violence and suicide in men.
Domestic abuse and sexual assault, forms of gender-based violence, can have severe psychological consequences for male victims, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Traditional masculine norms may also discourage men from seeking help for mental health struggles, leading them to internalise their problems and resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism.
As the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it is crucial to acknowledge the link between gender-based violence and suicide in men.
While often overlooked, men are also victims of violence and its devastating consequences. The 16 Days of Activism against GBV is an annual international campaign that takes place from 25 November to 10 December each year.
While this global campaign aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to end all forms of violence against women and girls, it’s essential to acknowledge that men are also impacted by gender-based violence and its consequences.
Recent statistics reveal a disturbing trend in Bulawayo where men are disproportionately represented in suicide rates. According to police records, Bulawayo has recorded 21 suicide cases since June this year, with an alarming 20 involving men.
In most of these cases, the men who committed suicide were victims of gender-based violence, highlighting the devastating impact of abuse on mental health and well-being.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele described suicide as a silent pandemic, with most people unaware of the mental health struggles of those close to them until it’s too late.
“Most people who commit suicide show intentions, but most relatives and friends ignore these signs, even when they mention it casually. No one takes it seriously or inquires further,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
According to research, men are disproportionately affected by suicide, with rates significantly higher than those of women.
This disparity is often attributed to societal pressures and expectations placed on men, which can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and inadequacy.
Addressing issues that disproportionately affect men, such as mental health struggles, societal expectations, and gender-based violence, including the abuse of men, Men’s Conference Podcast director Makhosi Sibanda said abuse against men, though often overlooked, is a critical issue that requires attention.
He said societal norms that discourage men from expressing vulnerability, combined with a lack of tailored support services, perpetuate silence and inaction.
“Addressing this requires multi-sectoral approaches, including judicial reforms, community activism, and the active engagement of men and boys to transform harmful gender norms. Globally, suicide rates among men are alarmingly high, often linked to untreated mental health conditions, societal pressures, and a reluctance to seek help,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda emphasised the need for a multifaceted approach to address this crisis, including breaking the stigma surrounding male victimisation, fostering community support, ensuring accessible mental health services, and promoting positive masculinities.
“To effectively address men’s mental health challenges, providing affordable and culturally sensitive mental health services is essential. Governments and private stakeholders must invest in these services and train professionals to effectively address men’s unique needs.
“Additionally, fostering environments where men feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment or shame is crucial. Engaging grassroots organisations, schools, workplaces, and faith-based groups can help champion mental health awareness and encourage peer support systems.
“Furthermore, challenging toxic gender norms and promoting positive masculinity can help men redefine their roles and reduce the stress associated with societal expectations,” said Sibanda.
He said there is a need to prioritise solutions that promote mental well-being, gender justice, and equitable opportunities for all, ensuring that men and boys feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive in all aspects of life.
A Bulawayo man who claimed was a victim of gender-based violence and who wished to remain anonymous said the weight of societal expectations, coupled with the trauma of abuse, can become unbearable.
“As a man, I have always felt pressure to be strong, to never show weakness. But the truth is, we men struggle too. We suffer in silence, bottling up our emotions, fearing judgment. Gender-based violence, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, leaves deep scars. It shatters our sense of self-worth and makes us feel broken.
“The weight of societal expectations, coupled with the trauma of abuse, can become unbearable. It’s a heavy burden that can lead to depression, anxiety, and, tragically, thoughts of suicide. We need to break the silence, to seek help, and to challenge the harmful stereotypes that hold us back. It’s time to prioritise men’s mental health and create a society where all of us can heal and thrive,” he said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), violence against men is a controversial area of research, with terms such as gender symmetry and battered husband syndrome.
Some scholars have argued that those who focus on female-perpetrated violence are part of an anti-feminist backlash and are attempting to undermine the problem of male-perpetrated abuse by championing the cause of the man, over the serious cause of the abused woman.
Surveys have indicated small proportions of men (less than 20 percent of victims) will tell the police or a health professional about their victimisation.
This is perhaps due to well-grounded fears that they will be scorned, ridiculed, or disbelieved by these authorities.
