Human rights groups in Malaysia have expressed support for the government’s recognition that men constitute a significant portion of domestic violence victims, highlighting the long-standing stigma and cultural barriers that have hindered male survivors from coming forward.

Adrian Pereira, executive director of the North South Initiative, noted that societal expectations tied to masculinity often discourage men from reporting abuse or seeking help. He emphasized that patriarchal norms contribute to the silence surrounding male victims but stressed that acknowledging their experiences should not diminish attention to violence against women.

“Recognizing male victims doesn’t imply that men are more vulnerable than women, but it is important to ensure that homes are safe for all individuals regardless of gender,” Pereira said. He called for enhanced support services tailored to men, including the creation of support groups, improved training for community leaders to detect signs of abuse, and increased sensitivity among social welfare officers and law enforcement in handling such cases. Pereira also advocated for education initiatives aimed at addressing cultural blind spots that can prevent recognition of violence against men.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry recently reported that men accounted for roughly 25 percent of domestic violence victims last year, with 1,961 male cases registered out of a total 7,391 nationwide. This figure marks an increased acknowledgement of male victimization in an area traditionally associated predominantly with women.

Melissa Akhir, a commissioner with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, framed male victimhood within the broader landscape of gender-based violence. She pointed out that women and girls represented 73.5 percent of domestic abuse cases recorded last year. Akhir identified domestic violence as one of the most widespread forms of violence against women, driven largely by entrenched power imbalances, gender stereotypes, and economic dependencies.

At the same time, Akhir underscored the need to extend protection to male victims, particularly older men who face abuse from younger family members. “Domestic violence against males often involves older men being subjected to control and harm by younger abusers within the household,” she explained.

The growing recognition of male victims in Malaysia’s domestic violence statistics signals a shift toward a more inclusive understanding of abuse, with advocates calling for comprehensive approaches to support and safeguard all survivors.