Service relevance, access and utilisation experiences of male survivors of domestic violence: a case of Mubende District, Uganda

Abstract

The study has its basis on the National Plan to prevent Gender Based Violence. Abused males’ syndrome has not been so much explored in Uganda despite evidence of the significant increase in domestic violence against males by females and other family members. This study aimed to understand male survivors of domestic violence experiences of the relevance, access and utilization of services in Mubende district, Uganda. To achieve the objective, this was done using a qualitative approach and phenomenological design. The phenomenological design was deemed suitable for studying the male survivors lived experience. Data was collected at one point in time. A sample size of 23 participants was interviewed with 14 male survivors and 9 service providers using the In-depth interviews and Key informant interviews respectively. The significance of the study was help understand the male survivors of domestic self-reported experiences of service relevance, access and utilisation as well as guide policy development on domestic violence among males and inform targeted programming and project implementation to improve the relevance, access and utilization of services by male survivors of domestic violence. The results from the study showed that, government having no male service providers in the study area was making it harder for male survivors to seek help through female service providers. The study also showed rampant domestic violence against males in Mubende but males still defined their male ego which makes them accept suffering in silence without separating from their families, hoping that things might change at some point. In order to fight domestic violence against males, the issue of inclusiveness in government projects and other players’ projects, should be felt by males and services should be provided equitably. Males felt left out regarding domestic violence initiatives.