Photo of the week : nearly 500 men break the silence on domestic economic violence

Nearly 500 Burundian men have dared to speak out. Since 2021, they have confided in the association “Men in Distress” (Abagabo mu gahinda) to denounce the violence they suffer within their homes—primarily economic violence, a phenomenon still largely taboo in the Burundian society.

A press conference to reveal a long-ignored reality

On Tuesday, November 18, at the Source du Nil Hotel in the commercial city of Bujumbura, the association revealed the extent of domestic violence affecting men.

Its legal representative, Boniface Nduwimana, specified that 479 men have contacted the organization since 2021 to report acts of violence perpetrated by their partners.

“These testimonies reflect suffering that has long been kept silent. Many hesitate to speak out, for fear of being ridiculed or not being taken seriously,” explained Mr. Nduwimana.

Primarily economic violence

Among the victims, 159 men have been affected by economic violence : confiscation of income, deprivation of access to household resources, forced indebtedness, or abusive control of the couple’s assets.
These forms of violence, often invisible and difficult to prove, are nonetheless devastating.

“Men come to us when they can’t take it anymore. Many are humiliated, stripped of everything, and financially isolated,” he added.

Cases brought before the courts

While the majority of cases are still handled through social and psychological support, 33 cases have already been brought before the courts.

The association closely monitors these proceedings and assists victims with their legal processes, even though the current legal framework does not always facilitate the handling of these complaints.

Advocacy for legislative reform

Faced with this situation, the association is calling for a thorough reform of laws relating to gender-based violence, which are currently focused on protecting women.

“We must stop believing that only men are violent. Today, many men suffer in silence. They find neither their place in the law nor in the society,” insisted Boniface Nduwimana.

Breaking the taboo and acknowledging the phenomenon

The association is calling for a national debate on violence against men, a subject rarely addressed in the Burundian public sphere. She also calls on public institutions, the civil society, and the judicial system to acknowledge the existence of this phenomenon and to implement appropriate protection mechanisms.

Our photo : in this hospital corridor, a father holds his child in his arms to support his wife : more and more men are denouncing economic and domestic abuse in Burundi (SOS Médias Burundi)