Reconceptualising Domestic Violence in the 21st Century: Enhancing Recourse for Male Victims under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act of Kenya
Date
2020-11
Authors
Chula, Liza Nagule
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Domestic violence is a serious public health, legal and social problem that permeates every sphere of human society. While historically, women have predominantly been on the receiving end of this vice, statistics from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2014 reveal that many men are also victims at the hands of women, a trend that is quickly assuming a worrisome
dimension. However, a myriad of factors has led to the silencing of male victims of domestic violence throughout history, most notably stereotypical notions of gender. Numerous laws and policies have been made across the world with the intent of curbing this menace since it first became a global phenomenon with its claws dug deep into the roots of society.
Description
Domestic violence has received a considerable amount of conversation in the society today as it is a phenomenon that permeates every level of society and transcends borders, cultures, nationalities, and race. All crimes have onerous effects on society, but domestic violence is distinguished due to its repetitive and multi-faceted character and the resultant immeasurable ripple effect on society and family life. It affects millions of people and touches on the very dignity of man. Despite this, for decades, domestic violence was considered to be an issue proper to the private realm and as such, discussions surrounding it were not acceptable or regarded as a social issue.