Domestic violence is about power and control, not gender. While India has rightly focused on protecting women, a growing number of men are also reporting abuse—often at the hands of their spouse or in-laws. Many suffer in silence because society assumes only women can be victims. This article shines a light on male survivors, the legal challenges they face, and the help that does exist.
1. The Hidden Pain: When Home Isn’t Safe for Men
| Type of Abuse | Examples |
| Physical | Hitting, slapping, choking, burning |
| Emotional | Humiliation, threats, isolation, gas-lighting |
| Sexual | Forced intimacy, withholding intimacy as punishment |
| Financial | Seizing earnings, blocking access to bank accounts |
Key point: Abuse crosses gender lines. NCRB does not publish male-victim data, but independent studies (e.g., a 2023 survey in rural Haryana) found 52 % of men had faced emotional or physical partner abuse.
2. Why Men Often Stay Silent
- Masculinity norms: “Real men don’t complain.”
- Ridicule & disbelief: Police or family may dismiss male complaints.
- Child custody fears: Many fathers endure abuse to remain with their children.
- Mental-health impact: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance misuse—and, tragically, suicide.
3. India’s Legal Landscape: Where Do Male Victims Turn?
3.1 PWDVA, 2005 (Women-centric)
- Offers protection orders, residence rights, and maintenance—but only for women.
- Hiralal P. Harsora v. Kusum Narottamdas Harsora (2016) allowed any “aggrieved person” to be a respondent, yet most trial courts still apply PWDVA only to women.
3.2 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 & Other Statutes
| Provision | How it Helps Male Victims |
| BNS 115 | Punishes causing hurt (physical assault). |
| BNS 109 | Covers grievous injuries or attempt to murder. |
| BNS 85 / 86 | Cruelty by spouse or relatives (can apply to either gender). |
| BNSS 144 | Financially dependent husband may seek maintenance. |
| Hindu Marriage Act 13(1) (i-a) | Divorce on grounds of cruelty. |
| Civil Injunctions | A magistrate can restrain an abuser from entering the shared home. |
Gap: Unlike PWDVA, these laws do not guarantee shelter homes, counseling, or emergency protection orders for men.
4. Courtroom Trends & Case Highlights
- Atul Subhash (2024, Bengaluru) – Software engineer died by suicide; FIR registered against wife for abetment after evidence of sustained cruelty.
- Santosh Raj (2022, Patna) – Survived attack allegedly orchestrated by wife; court granted protection order and interim maintenance for medical bills.
- Delhi High Court (Jan 2025) – Denied bail to a wife who stabbed her husband, stressing that “domestic violence laws protect persons, not only women.”
- K. Srinivas Rao v. D.A. Deepa (2013) – False criminal complaints held to constitute “mental cruelty,” valid ground for divorce.
5. Practical Steps for Male Survivors
- Document everything: Photos of injuries, medical records, threatening messages, audio/video clips.
- File a GD/FIR: If local police refuse, approach higher officers or send a complaint by registered post/email.
- Approach the Magistrate directly: Seek an injunction and protection order under the Code of Civil Procedure or relevant criminal provisions.
- Helplines & NGOs:
- SIF ONE (Men Welfare Trust): 8882 498 498
- Men Helpline Org: +91 99116 66498
- Local mental-health counselors or tele-psychiatry services.
- SIF ONE (Men Welfare Trust): 8882 498 498
- Legal counsel: Engage a lawyer experienced in gender-neutral litigation to file for maintenance or divorce if needed.
6. The Road Ahead: Toward Gender-Neutral Protection
- Legislative reform: A dedicated, gender-neutral domestic violence act would offer both preventive and remedial measures to all victims.
- Sensitisation: Police, judiciary, social workers, and media must recognise male victimisation.
- Data collection: NCRB and NFHS surveys should record male experiences to shape better policy.
Conclusion
Domestic violence is not confined to one gender. Men can be—and are—victims. Denying their pain perpetuates harm and undermines genuine gender equality. India must move toward inclusive laws, empathetic policing, and societal support so every survivor, irrespective of gender, can live with safety and dignity.