ARK Foundation boss warns against stigmatisation of abuse victims

Dr Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, the Executive Director of the ARK Foundation, has cautioned against stigmatizing abuse victims and debunking gender stereotypes that hinder efforts to tackle domestic abuse. Such stigmatization often targets male victims, who are frequently ridiculed, while women's experiences are sometimes dismissed as typical marital issues.

Dr Dwamena-Aboagye noted that societal responses to abuse are heavily influenced by cultural beliefs regarding the expected behavior of men and women. Consequently, victims find it challenging to openly discuss their experiences or seek help. During a discussion on why individuals remain in abusive relationships, she emphasized the need for the public to move past assumptions about potential victims and take reports of abuse seriously.

The executive director highlighted that when a man or boy is abused, society often reacts with stigma and mockery, questioning how such a thing could happen. This reaction stems from the belief that men should be strong enough to protect themselves, potentially exposing male victims to ridicule rather than support. Such responses can deter men from disclosing their experiences or seeking assistance for fear of mockery or judgment.

Dr Dwamena-Aboagye stressed that domestic abuse affects both men and women and that victims should be treated with seriousness and compassion, regardless of gender. Although male victims may face ridicule, she pointed out that women who report abuse could also have their experiences minimized because violence against women is sometimes viewed as a common aspect of married life. This attitude can affect how individuals react to victims and how institutions manage reports of domestic abuse.

She warned that such assumptions could lead to victims being misunderstood and their experiences not being recognized for their seriousness. Dr Dwamena-Aboagye called for responses grounded in the nature and severity of the behavior rather than gender or relationship stereotypes. She also stressed that domestic abuse should not be treated as an ordinary marital disagreement or a private family matter, highlighting its serious consequences for victims and the necessity of recognizing its criminal nature.