The Influence of Social Media on Domestic Violence Against Men in Enugu Urban
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study is to examine the influence of social media on public perception and response to domestic violence against men in Enugu Urban.
Specifically, the study seeks to:
- Investigate how social media platforms portray domestic violence against men in Enugu Urban.
- Examine how exposure to social media content influences public attitudes toward male victims of domestic violence.
- Assess the extent to which social media empowers or discourages male victims from reporting cases of abuse.
- Identify the dominant narratives and framing techniques used in social media discussions about male victimization.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence or domestic abuse, is a pervasive social problem that affects individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. It is generally defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. Domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse, and it may occur in marital, cohabiting, or dating relationships (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).
According to the United Nations (2022), domestic violence is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world, often occurring in the private sphere, and disproportionately affecting women and children. However, there is growing recognition of male victimization, which has long remained underreported due to societal stigma, gender stereotypes, and lack of supportive resources. Men who suffer abuse from intimate partners often hesitate to report or seek help because of fear of ridicule, disbelief, or cultural expectations of masculinity (Douglas & Hines, 2020).
In the Nigerian context, domestic violence is deeply rooted in traditional gender norms, religious beliefs, and societal attitudes that place men in dominant roles and women in submissive ones. As a result, domestic abuse against women has received significant attention, whereas abuse against men remains hidden and largely ignored. Research by Eze (2023) reveals that many male victims of domestic violence in southeastern Nigeria face disbelief from law enforcement and ridicule from their communities, which discourages them from reporting or seeking justice.
The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015, adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, offers a legal framework for addressing various forms of domestic violence. It criminalizes acts such as physical assault, emotional abuse, intimidation, and economic deprivation. However, implementation across states is inconsistent, and public awareness about male victims remains limited (Human Rights Watch, 2022).
Recent literature also expands the definition of domestic violence to include digital and cyber abuse, where one partner exerts control or harassment over the other using mobile devices, social media, or email. In today’s digital age, this aspect of abuse has become more prominent, particularly among younger couples and in urban areas where digital connectivity is widespread (Chisala, 2021).
Domestic violence is often cyclical in nature, where the abuser alternates between periods of tension-building, explosive abuse, and a honeymoon phase marked by apologies and temporary reconciliation. This cycle makes it difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships. Walker’s (1979) cycle of abuse theory, although developed decades ago, still informs much of the current understanding of domestic violence dynamics.
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CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the influence of social media on domestic violence against men in Enugu Urban. Enugu Urban form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of social media on domestic violence against men in Enugu urban. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the influence of social media on domestic violence against men in Enugu urban
Summary
This study was on a critical the influence of social media on domestic violence against men in Enugu urban. Four objectives were raised which included: Investigate how social media platforms portray domestic violence against men in Enugu Urban, examine how exposure to social media content influences public attitudes toward male victims of domestic violence, assess the extent to which social media empowers or discourages male victims from reporting cases of abuse and identify the dominant narratives and framing techniques used in social media discussions about male victimization. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Enugu Urban. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
This study concludes that social media plays a powerful but complex role in shaping the discourse around domestic violence against men in Enugu Urban. While it provides a platform for awareness and advocacy, it currently promotes damaging stereotypes that delegitimize male victimhood and suppress disclosure. Domestic violence against men is underreported and socially invisible in part due to how digital media frames the issue. The silence around male victimization is reinforced by ridicule, a lack of serious representation, and gender role expectations.
Until deliberate efforts are made to shift these narratives and include male perspectives in advocacy and support networks, domestic violence against men will continue to be stigmatized and ignored.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Government agencies, NGOs, and media influencers should create campaigns that promote the idea that domestic violence can affect anyone—regardless of gender. Hashtags like #AbuseHasNoGender should be amplified.
- The Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should include male-specific support mechanisms in their intervention strategies. Shelters, hotlines, and counseling should not be female-exclusive.
- Educators and youth programs should incorporate critical digital media literacy in schools to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote empathy across gender lines.
- Platforms like Facebook and TikTok should be encouraged to flag or remove content that mocks abuse victims, and instead promote content that sensitizes users to the realities of domestic violence, regardless of gender.
- More studies should be conducted to examine the long-term psychological effects of social media ridicule on male survivors and to explore the prevalence of underreporting among them in both urban and rural areas.
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