The term 'domestic violence' is often associated with women in Indian society. However, this is a problem that affects not just women, but also men, who are often ignored by society. Domestic violence is experienced by men in our country as well, but this is a conversation that few are willing to have. It's unfortunate that we assume women are the only victims in marriage, but this is not entirely true. In today's society, where we advocate for women's equal rights, some women misuse these rights for personal gain. They harm men's dignity by making false accusations.

Discussing this issue is a priority and a necessity. Men should be aware of their rights in marriage, and men's perspectives should be given equal importance as women's. According to a survey, gender-based violence affects 52.4% of married men. The survey, which included 1,000 married men aged 21-49 from rural communities in Haryana, highlights the significance of this issue.

Insights of Law
We acknowledge that domestic violence is a critical issue affecting many women, but we must also recognize that many men are victims of torture inflicted by women and their families. Our legal system has laws that support women and provide them justice. For instance, Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, addresses cruelty against women in marriage by their husbands or their relatives. Recent amendments to the law, as seen in Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2024, also address this issue.

There have been cases where men have attempted suicide due to mental torture inflicted by women and their families. A notable case is that of Atul Subhash in 2024, where a 34-year-old engineer in Bangalore committed suicide after being mentally troubled by his wife and her family. Another case is Jyoti Alias Kittu v/s States Govt. Of NCT of Delhi, 2025, where the High Court of Delhi ruled in favor of the man. In this case, the wife allegedly inflicted grievous harm on her husband by pouring boiling water mixed with chili powder on him, resulting in burn injuries.

Conclusion
These cases illustrate the need for a more nuanced understanding of domestic violence. While many victims are women, some men are also subjected to cruelty. It's essential to acknowledge that the law is gender-neutral and that men can also seek justice. We must assure men that the law will protect them from cruelty and domestic violence. It's crucial to recognize that cruelty is wrong, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a man or a woman.

By acknowledging the experiences of male victims, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. We must encourage men to speak out against domestic violence and provide them with the necessary support and resources. Additionally, we need to create awareness campaigns that highlight the issue of domestic violence against men, and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to seek help. 

Only then can we hope to eradicate this social evil and create a safer, more compassionate world for all. It's time for us to break the silence surrounding domestic violence against men and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

References:

• https://www.mensxp.com/
• https://indiankanoon.org

Also Read:

• Harassment on Men
• Sexual Violence against Men in India
• Domestic Violence With Men
• Section 498A: Prejudice To Men
• Redefining Domestic Violence: Recognizing Male Victims in India
• Women Centric Laws: Consequences faced by Males