Shifting the Focus: Exploring Spousal Abuse Against Husbands by their Wives

Researchers from the College of Criminal Justice Education of the University of Mindanao, conducted a nationwide study that seeks to explore the extent of spousal abuse committed by wives against their husbands. The study, which was conducted by Dr. Nestor Nabe and Dr. Carmelita Chavez, seeks to identify typical behavioral factors related to domestic abuse and the extent of spousal abuses experienced by Filipino husbands. The study assessed six types of domestic abuse/violence: physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, financial, and technological. A total of 1,703 participants in different provinces of the Philippines were recruited online to participate in the study.

Based on the survey, 3 out of 10 (or 33.1%) Filipino men reported that they have experienced any form of domestic violence from their wives. This translates to 1 in every 3 Filipino husbands experiencing domestic violence, which the study noted to be an increase from 12 to 15 in every 100 couples reported in a study in 2018. Researchers from the UM College of Criminal Justice Education noted that this increasing trend of domestic violence where wives are the perpetrators is quite alarming, given that almost all of the husbands who experienced them did not report the same to authorities or do something about it. Based on the same survey, the top reasons of spousal abuse by their wives stem from (i) partners reacting to frustration or stress (m=3.53 categorized as high), (ii) partners have dominant behavior (m=3.43 categorized as high); and (iii) partners have attention-seeking behavior (m=3.41 categorized as high).

When asked about the extent of domestic violence experienced by husbands in the six types of abuses, survey revealed that the extent is generally low, which means that while there are specific abuses noted in their marriage, they are considered rare only and happens only in specific circumstances. The survey revealed that the most common occurrence is that of emotional abuse (m=2.54 considered low), followed by financial abuse (m=2.42 considered low), physical abuse (m=2.30 considered low), psychological abuse (m=2.22 considered low), and technological abuse (m=2.20 considered low). Sexual abuse came the least occurring form of domestic violence (m=2.02 considered low). Most forms of these abuses come in combinations, such as verbally and physically assaulting husbands, being aggressive, shaming husbands in social media, demanding money, and taunting/insulting their husbands in a fit of rage.

Analysis also revealed that increased belief on domestic violence among husbands are associated with five of the six types of abuses. There is also a high level of association between higher beliefs on domestic violence with actual overall experience of domestic abuse, the study further confirms.

Expert Analysis. The survey results provide valuable insights into the prevalence, characteristics, and root causes of spousal abuse against husbands by their wives in the Philippines. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and support services to address the underreported issue of male victims of domestic violence. Furthermore, the correlation between perceptions and experiences of domestic violence highlights the role of education and awareness in combating abusive behaviors within marital relationships. Moving forward, efforts must be made to challenge societal norms and stereotypes surrounding gender-based violence and promote a culture of respect, equality, and support for all individuals affected by domestic abuse.