ABSTRACT:
This paper investigates the often-overlooked experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) among men within migrant and precarious communities in Musina, a border town in northern South Africa. Drawing on mixed-methods data from the GEMMS study (Gendered Violence & Poor Mental Health among Migrants in Precarious Situations), the analysis integrates survey findings with case studies of two men who spoke openly about intimate partner violence. While GBV reporting is predominantly centred on women’s experiences, the quantitative data reveal that a small yet significant number of men disclose incidents of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. These experiences are frequently minimised or dismissed due to prevailing social norms and legal frameworks. The case studies underscore the complexity of male silence. One participant, recently released from prison, described staying with his abusive wife—who maintained relationships with both men and women—for the sake of their children. Another recounted being struck with a pot by his wife, resulting in a visible scar, but chose not to press charges out of fear she would be imprisoned. Both men contextualised their decisions within the constraints of fatherhood, societal stigma, and perceptions that South African law favours women as victims. Informal conversations with other men in the community echoed these sentiments, revealing a shared sense of marginalisation within GBV discourse. These findings highlight the need to broaden GBV frameworks to acknowledge male victimisation without detracting from women’s struggles. In contexts marked by migration and precarity, recognising men’s experiences can enrich understandings of gender, power, and silence, and support the development of more inclusive violence prevention and support services.