“Men are exclusively the perpetrators of sexual abuse”.
This is the common view point of every other individual when asked about their insights on the issue of sexual abuse.
But, is harassment really gender oriented? Is it always the women who face these issues?
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| Source - WordPress
There is no doubt about the fact that it is mostly women who face abuse whether it is physical, mental or any kind of abuse. But the rising cases of men being the victims of such obscene crimes has made people question this gender oriented approach of seeing things. Sometimes the things we don’t see as a crime are equally destructive for the one who suffers it. Therefore, before diving deep into this matter, let’s first understand the meaning of sexual harassment. What Do You Mean By Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment is a form of harassment that involves unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behavior that creates a hostile or intimidating environment for the victim. It can occur in various settings, including the workplace, educational institutions, public spaces, and online. Sexual harassment can take place in many forms such as - 1. Verbal harassment - Inappropriate comments, sexual jokes, offensive remarks, or explicit language directed at someone. 2. Non-verbal harassment - Inappropriate gestures, leering, obscene gestures, or the display of sexually suggestive images. 3. Physical harassment - Unwanted touching, groping, or any form of physical contact of a sexual nature without consent. 4. Visual harassment - Exhibitionism, voyeurism, or exposing someone to explicit images or materials without their consent. 5. Internet harassment - Transmission of offensive or explicit messages, the unauthorized sharing of inappropriate content, or engaging in sexual cyber bullying. Many organizations and institutions have policies and procedures in place to prevent and address sexual harassment. Victims of sexual harassment are encouraged to report incidents to their employer, school, or relevant authorities, and seek support from friends, family, or counselling services. Men – The Unforeseen Victims of Abuse Male abuse, often referred to as male victimization or male domestic violence, refers to situations where men experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or violence, typically at the hands of their partners or in other interpersonal relationships. It's important to recognize that abuse can affect individuals of any gender, and while women are statistically more likely to be victims of certain types of abuse, men can also be victims. Common Situations of Male Victimization – 1. Physical abuse - This includes acts such as hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or any form of physical violence intended to cause harm. 2. Emotional or psychological abuse - This involves tactics like verbal threats, insults, humiliation, isolation, controlling behavior, gas lighting, or any actions that undermine the victim's self-esteem and mental well-being. 3. Sexual abuse - Unwanted sexual advances, coercion, or assault are forms of sexual abuse that can affect men. 4. Financial abuse - Controlling or limiting access to finances, forcing someone to give up their income, or using economic means to exert power and control over a man can constitute financial abuse. 5. Stalking - Repeated, intrusive behaviors that make someone feel unsafe or harassed, including online stalking or harassment, can affect both men and women. Why Is Male Victimization Not Coming Into Light? The issue of male victimization not receiving as much attention or awareness as female victimization in certain contexts is a complex and multifaceted issue. There are several factors that add on to this disparity - 1. Gender Stereotypes - Society often holds traditional gender stereotypes that portray men as strong, self-reliant, and less vulnerable to victimization. These stereotypes can make it difficult for male victims to come forward, as they fear being perceived as weak or unmanly. 2. Stigma and Shame - Male victims of certain forms of victimization, such as domestic violence or sexual assault, may face significant stigma and shame. They may worry about not being taken seriously or being blamed for the violence or abuse they've experienced. 3. Lack of Awareness - There is less awareness about the prevalence of victimisation experienced by men, which can lead to a lack of resources, support, and understanding for male victims. This lack of awareness can also affect data collection and research efforts. 4. Legal and Support Services - In many countries, support services and legal frameworks are often designed with female victims in mind. This can result in a lack of appropriate resources and services for male victims, making it harder for them to seek help. 5. Underreporting - Male victimization is underreported for various reasons, including fear of retaliation, concerns about law enforcement response, or lack of knowledge about available support services. This underreporting can perpetuate the invisibility of the issue. 6. Media Portrayal - Media and popular culture often focus on female victims, and when male victimization is depicted, it may not receive the same attention or sensitivity. This can influence public perceptions and awareness. 7. Advocacy Gaps - Advocacy efforts and organizations have historically focused on female victimization, which has led to a lack of advocacy for male victims. It's essential to acknowledge and address these issues to ensure that male victims of various forms of victimization, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and others, receive the support and attention they need. Initiatives that challenge traditional gender norms, provide resources, and raise awareness about male victimization are important steps toward addressing this issue. Male victimization should be recognized and supported just as female victimization is, as both are important social issues that require attention and solutions. Common Type of Male Victimization Cases in India Male victimization is a serious issue in India, and there have been several real-life incidents that highlight the challenges and struggles faced by men who have been victimized. Some examples include - 1. Domestic Violence - While domestic violence is often associated with female victims, there are cases of male victims in India. Many men hesitate to report abuse due to social stigma. Example - In 2019, a high-profile case involved a Mumbai-based man who accused his wife of subjecting him to physical and mental abuse. This case brought attention to male victims of domestic violence. 2. False Dowry Cases - Some men in India have faced false dowry harassment cases filed against them by their spouses or in-laws. These cases can have a significant impact on the lives of the accused men, including legal battles, social stigma, and financial burdens. 3. Sexual Harassment at Workplace - Men also experience sexual harassment at the workplace, but it is often underreported. Eg - In 2017, a male employee at a leading media company in India accused his female boss of sexual harassment, highlighting the need for gender-neutral policies and awareness. 4. Custody Battles - In custody battles during divorce proceedings, some fathers face challenges in obtaining custody of their children, despite being good parents. These cases can be emotionally distressing for men who feel that their rights as parents are not adequately protected. 5. Human Trafficking - Male victims of forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other types of exploitation may be the targets of human trafficking. They could be tricked, blackmailed, or abducted into these circumstances. 6. Online Harassment - Men can experience online harassment as well, including cyberbullying, and harassment on social media sites. Negative effects on mental health might result from online abuse. 7. Prison Abuse - In correctional facilities, male convicts may experience physical, psychological, or sexual abuse at the hands of other inmates or staff members. This can involve coercive sexual behavior, violence, or bullying. 8. Bullying - Bullying can happen to boys and men in a variety of contexts, including schools, workplaces, or online. Bullying may have psychological and emotional repercussions that last a lifetime. Issue that Demands the Spotlight of Awareness Domestic violence is a grievous act with the intention of causing harm, often physical, to someone within a familial context. Victims of domestic violence, whether male or female, endure profound emotional, physical, and psychological trauma. Regrettably, male victims often face more obstacles when seeking help or justice due to societal norms and biases. The prevalent misconception that domestic violence only happens to women is deeply ingrained in Indian society. Phrases like "Mard ko dard nahi hota" (a man does not feel pain) reinforce this stereotype, making it difficult for men to come forward as victims. This contributes to the underreported and underaddressed issue of domestic violence against men. An Indian Perspective When men are identified as prospective victims of domestic abuse in a country like India, where male dominance is deeply ingrained in society, it is frequently viewed with skepticism. Since there is no special statute in India that covers domestic abuse against men, this mistrust is reflected in the legal system. The current legal framework, including Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, focuses exclusively on violence against women while leaving out protections for men from comparable abuses. This legal disparity upholds the unfair notion that men are guilty and women are innocent—a presumption that needs to be changed. In addition to the legal inadequacies, cultural preconceptions also lessen reporting. Many male victims are discouraged from speaking out due to the idea that males should be tough and unyielding, as well as the worry that going to court could upset their families. Despite these obstacles, research shows that male victimization of domestic violence still occurs, as demonstrated by the survey conducted in rural Haryana. Equitable treatment for all residents is required by the Indian Constitution's fundamental principles of gender equality and human rights. The fundamental right to equal treatment is guaranteed by Article 14, and discrimination based on a variety of grounds, including sex, is prohibited by Article 15. Therefore, it is necessary to reform current law to safeguard male victims and to enact gender-neutral rules that guarantee all offenders are held accountable and all victims receive the care they need, regardless of gender. The legal system has to move away from gender-biased laws and toward gender equality in order to prevent and reduce domestic violence. It's time to balance the scales and guarantee everyone receives justice. Breaking Silence on Male Abuse We must utilize a multifaceted strategy to spread awareness about male abuse. The following are some tactics to draw attention to this important issue: 1. Education - Establish thorough educational programs in local schools, institutions, and communities to start. These programs ought to stress that abuse may happen to anybody, regardless of gender, and ought to offer tools for spotting and dealing with it. 2. Launch awareness campaigns across numerous media platforms, such as print, radio, television, and social media. Male abuse survivors' real-life experiences can have a particularly powerful impact on breaking stereotypes. 3. Support Services - Create and advertise support programs designed especially for male abuse victims. 4. Legal Reforms - Push for modifications to the law to ensure that laws are gender-neutral. Male victims will no longer face discrimination as a result, and their willingness to speak up will increase. 5. Participate in local communities through workshops, seminars, and conversations to dispel myths about the strength and frailty of males. Encourage frank discussion in which all participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. 6. Partnerships - Work with already-existing groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that address domestic abuse to include male victims in their initiatives. By doing this, support networks may be widened. 7. Encourage participation from celebrities and social media influencers, whose followings can have a big impact on how the public perceives your cause. 8. Encourage a more inclusive definition of masculinity that enables men to express their feelings and weaknesses without worrying about being judged in order to promote healthy masculinity. By implementing these tactics, we can abolish the taboo around male abuse, dispel misconceptions, and promote a more just and compassionate society where all victims, regardless of gender, may get the aid and support they require to heal and recover. In a Nutshell In conclusion, combating male abuse is essential to building a society that genuinely cherishes the security and well-being of all of its members and is not merely a problem of gender equality. T he fact that more men are becoming victims of abuse has prompted us to question long-held gender preconceptions and biases, even if it is indisputable that women have historically been the primary focus of talks on abuse. Regardless of gender, anyone can experience sexual harassment, physical assault, emotional abuse, and other sorts of mistreatment. We must acknowledge and assist male victims in the same way that we do female victims since both are significant social problems that call for our attention and solutions. Although there may still be a long way to go, the progress made in recognizing male victimization and helping survivors is an important step toward creating a society that is more just and compassionate. It is our common responsibility to make sure that no victim, regardless of gender, suffers in silence since this issue needs awareness. Co-authored By – Khwaaish Gupta & Shambhavi Srivastava This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - guptakhwaaish11105@gmail.com or contactmeshambhavi@gmail.com |
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