The dual suffering of gender-based violence

With the increasing number of gender-based violence cases reported at authority offices, one can only imagine the extent of suffering among women. Recent research by Afrobarometer reveals that 95% of women in Uganda have experienced some form of violence, often perpetrated by a romantic partner or individuals who have financial control over them. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016, 56% of married women aged 15-49 have experienced spousal violence, whether physical, sexual, or emotional.

However, gender-based violence (GBV) is a complex issue that is not limited to physical abuse. Men also suffer, particularly from psychological abuse. Despite societal beliefs that men, being physically stronger, are the primary perpetrators of GBV, men endure significant mental torture from their spouses. As a woman who has engaged in discussions with fellow women, I have heard admissions of such behaviour, often stemming from ignorance or a lack of awareness about its impact. A study by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in 2019 indicated that 20% of men reported experiencing emotional violence from their partners.

Men also experience sexual abuse. Being denied conjugal rights is a form of abuse because it deprives men of intimacy with the partner they vowed to love and cherish. Over the years, some women have used this denial as a form of punishment. It's important to understand that a sexually frustrated man can become an angry man, contributing to situations that may escalate into physical abuse. Dr. Susan Kiguli, a renowned gender studies expert, notes, "Sexual frustration can significantly impact a man's mental health, potentially leading to aggressive behavior if not addressed properly." That being said we can agree that both genders have a part to play in the escalations of gender-based acts of violence.

If women were to invest the same effort into addressing psychological and sexual abuse as men are putting into combating physical and sexual abuse, imagine the kind of world we could create. A better, more equitable one, I would imagine.