By Rahim Abdul
The Mangochi Police Station has noted a significant increase in male survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) coming forward to report cases.
Between January and June 2025, the Station’s Victim Support Unit (VSU) registered 39 cases involving males, compared to 22 cases during the same period in 2024.
This positive shift indicates growing awareness and confidence among men to speak out against GBV, despite long-standing cultural norms that discourage them.
The reported cases include denial of conjugal rights, abandonment by spouses, infidelity, physical abuse by partners, and denial of access to property or finances.
In some cases, men are subjected to abuse under the Chikamwini system, where they reside in their spouse’s home.
The police attribute this rise in reporting to ongoing sensitization campaigns, strong collaboration with partners such as YONECO and the Ministry of Gender, and the introduction of complaint boxes in rural areas.
The operation of mobile courts that issue warnings to GBV perpetrators has also encouraged men to come forward.
Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, Public Relations Officer at Mangochi Police Station, emphasized that GBV can affect anyone, regardless of gender.
She assured the public that all reports are handled with confidentiality and professionalism, and that VSU officers are trained to support all survivors.
The police appeal to the community to support male survivors with compassion and dignity, rather than mocking or discouraging them.
Reporting abuse is a sign of courage, not weakness, and the police are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all survivors.
