Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence Against Men in India

By:Gurleen kaur

Domestic violence has become a common term in global households to describe the cruelty suffered by women all over the world. While women are disproportionately affected by domestic violence around the world, the number of men suffering from it is growing by the day. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or psychological in intimate relationships.  There are numerous such cases that go unnoticed, misunderstood, underreported, and frequently dismissed. Men also avoid coming forward because of social stigma and societal fear. However, a recent Delhi High Court case, Jyoti alias Kittu v. State Govt. Of NCT of Delhi (2025), has taken a significant step toward recognizing that men, like women, are victims of domestic violence and deserve equal legal protection.

Understanding Domestic Violence Against Men

When we hear about men who have been victims of domestic violence, we immediately wonder how this is possible.  But we have to admit that men can also be abused at home by a spouse, partner, or family member. The men find it difficult to comprehend that they are truly experiencing such horrible cruelty, but they never report it because of social judgments, as a result of our brief inquiry. So it is necessary to recognize this and make it normal for them so that they can come forward without hesitation to seek justice and relief for their injuries.

Kind of abuse in the form of domestic violence

Physical abuse includes hitting, burning, and using objects to cause injury.

Verbal abuse includes continuous insults, blame, and intimidation.

Emotional and psychological abuse includes threats, gaslighting, and humiliation.

Financial abuse includes denying access to money, manipulating shared resources, and controlling income.

False allegations: Using legal provisions to harass or defame a male partner.

The Legal Gap: Is the Law Really Equal?

We always talk about women's empowerment and women's protection laws, but there is no similar protection for men who are victims of domestic abuse. We have laws for domestic abuse, such as the Protection of Women From Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA) and provisions under section 498A of the Indian penal code, which is cruelty by husband or relative. However, these laws only apply to women; men who are victims of domestic abuse currently have no specific legal recourse under these laws, creating a legal blind spot. Men can only file complaints under general criminal laws, but there is no specific statute that recognizes male victimhood in domestic violence cases. This unequal legal system frequently left men helpless and trapped, not only by abuse but also by a system that ignores their suffering.

A turning point: Jyoti Alias Kitty v. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi.

The Delhi High Court heard a case in January 2025 in which Jyoti, also known as Kitty, the man's wife, allegedly burned Suraj Saini severely with boiling water and chilli powder. In addition, his wife locked him in his own home and tortured him, preventing him from getting help. The case exposed her history of falsely accusing former partners of crimes. When Jyoti sought anticipatory bail, the Delhi High Court denied the request, emphasizing that this type of violence is completely unacceptable regardless of the victim's gender. Also, Justice Swarana Janta Sharma stated that "men are entitled to the same protection from cruelty and violence as women," emphasizing the importance of gender-neutral justice.

While the case did not establish new legal precedent in the legislative sense, it did reinforce the idea that courts can and should interpret existing laws without bias toward gender. Additionally, it spurred public discussion about men's vulnerability in domestic partnerships.

Why a gender-neutral approach is necessary

To alter societal perceptions of male victims in order to enable them to come forward and report such abuse without fear of social repercussions. When we ignore the reality of male victims, we create an unfair justice system and discourage genuine reporting from either gender for fear of not being taken seriously. To take this issue seriously, India requires:

1. Gender-neutral domestic violence laws that recognize victims based on harm rather than gender.

2. Men's support systems include helplines, shelters, and legal aid, as well as psychological counseling.

3. Raising awareness among police and judges about the need to treat male victims fairly.

4. More research and data collection to challenge stereotypes.

5. Public awareness campaigns to de-stigmatize male victimhood.

Verdict

Domestic violence should be viewed as a human rights issue, not one based on gender.  We understand that the majority of cases are against men, but men's pain is just as real and deserves equal compassion, legal recognition, and institutional support. The case of Jyoti alias Kittu became a landmark decision for men's equal rights in the justice system, as well as a much-needed reminder that the law must protect all victims of abuse. Justice, after all, must be blind—not to the truth, but to gender.