By Michaella Faith Wright

While women have made significant strides in advocacy and support systems for abuse survivors, a silent crisis continues to unfold — the abuse of men, often ignored, denied, or dismissed by society.

In recent years, the world has witnessed powerful advocacy campaigns led by women — from fighting domestic violence to demanding equality and justice. These movements have brought much-needed attention to long-standing issues, helping countless women speak up and seek justice. But amid this progress, there’s a painful silence that continues to linger — the voices of men who are victims of abuse.

Yes, men. They are often the forgotten survivors in a society that expects them to be strong, unshaken, and immune to pain. The truth is, abuse knows no gender. Men, just like women, experience emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. However, many suffer in silence — not because they want to, but because society has conditioned them to.

Too many men feel they have no right to speak out. The moment a man admits he is being abused — whether by a partner, parent, or someone else — he risks being laughed at, disbelieved, or told to “man up.” This societal reaction is not just insensitive; it’s dangerous. It forces many men to suppress their trauma, hide their pain, and in some tragic cases, take their own lives.

Many male survivors would rather suffer in silence than explain themselves to a world that is not yet ready to believe them. They fear being labelled as weak, less of a man, or being mocked by peers. Their suffering is invisible, their pain dismissed, and their stories often untold.

We cannot continue to speak about justice and equality while turning a blind eye to this harsh reality. Abuse is abuse — regardless of gender. Advocacy should not only be inclusive but also empathetic to all survivors, male or female. Until we create safe spaces for men to share their stories without fear of judgment, shame, or disbelief, the cycle of silent suffering will continue.

This is not a call to take away from the powerful work being done for women — it is a call to expand the conversation. True justice means acknowledging every victim, hearing every cry for help, and believing every survivor.

It’s time we face the uncomfortable truth: some men are abused, and they need support, too. If we want a society that is truly just and compassionate, we must begin by believing — even when the victim doesn’t fit the narrative we’re used to.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,4th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)