- 33% of Filipino men report domestic violence from wives: UM-IPO
MORE THAN 3 in 10 (33.1%) Filipino men experienced domestic violence at the hands of their wives or partners, according to the latest report from the University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO).
The research is anchored on the nationwide study by the school’s College of Criminal Justice Education.
Based on the survey, the top reasons for spousal abuse by their wives stem from partners reacting to frustration or stress, partners having dominant behavior, and partners having attention-seeking behavior.
This also translates to 1 in every 3 Filipino husbands experiencing domestic violence, which the study noted to be an increase from 12 to 15 in every 100 couples reported in a study in 2018.
“Researchers from the UM College of Criminal Justice Education noted that this increasing trend of domestic violence where wives are the perpetrators is quite alarming, given that almost all of the husbands who experienced them did not report the same to authorities or do something about it,” the research read.
The survey also revealed that the most common occurrence is that of emotional abuse, followed by financial abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and technological abuse.
“Most forms of these abuses come in combinations, such as verbally and physically assaulting husbands, being aggressive, shaming husbands on social media, demanding money, and taunting/insulting their husbands in a fit of rage,” the study also stated.
When asked about the extent of domestic violence experienced by husbands in the six types of abuses, the survey revealed that the extent is generally low, which means that while there are specific abuses noted in their marriage, they are considered “rare only and happen only in specific circumstances.”
The National Study entitled “Shifting the Focus: Exploring Spousal Abuse Against Husbands by their Wives” surveyed online 1,703 participants across the country, seeking to explore the extent of spousal abuse committed by wives against their husbands.
In an interview, Dr. Joel Tan, an Institute of Popular Opinion specialist said the COVID-19 pandemic might have contributed to the situation. However, he noted that the reality of spousal abuse perpetrated by wives is long before happening way beyond the circumstances.
“The pandemic might be a factor because of the difficulties of our lives at that time and men have to provide for their families, but based on the survey it’s not just about the financial aspect, but it includes the emotional aspect,” Tan said.
Dr. Nestor Nabe, the College of Criminal Justice Education assistant dean, also called lawmakers on the urgent need for targeted interventions and support services to address the underreported issue of male victims of domestic violence.
“One of our congresswomen here in Davao City, Congresswoman Nograles together with Senator Tulfo, filed something to amend our VAWC (Violence against Women and their Children) law, to include husbands as victims also of domestic violence. There must be an equality of rights for husbands, as well,” Nabe said.
