The Deadly Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Domestic Violence

Toxic masculinity plays a significant role in worsening domestic violence in African communities. In this article, we will discuss the deadly effects of toxic masculinity on domestic violence

When I was young, I had a friend whose dad wanted him to be tough and mean. He would mock him for crying, liking art, or having female friends. He told him to be strong and in charge. 

My friend started to think that women were not as good as men and that they were only there for him to use.

He would bother them, say mean things to them, and even hit them. He thought this was what it meant to be a man. This is called toxic masculinity.

What is Toxic Masculinity?

Toxic masculinity is a set of harmful social expectations and norms about what it means to be a man. These expectations and norms often lead men to feel entitled to control and dominate women, which can also lead to violent behavior.

Some of the key characteristics of toxic masculinity include:

• Aggression: Toxic masculinity teaches men that they need to be aggressive and dominant to be considered men. This can lead to violent behavior toward others, especially women.
• Emotional suppression: Toxic masculinity teaches men that they should not show emotions, especially vulnerability. This can lead to men bottling up their emotions and eventually exploding in anger.

• Homophobia: Toxic masculinity teaches men that they should be afraid of anything that is perceived as feminine or gay. This can lead to homophobia and discrimination against LGBTQ people.

How Does Toxic Masculinity Contribute to Domestic Violence?

Toxic masculinity contributes to domestic violence in several ways. First, it teaches men that they have the right to control and dominate women. This can lead to men feeling entitled to abuse their partners, both physically and emotionally.

Second, toxic masculinity teaches men that they should not show emotions, especially vulnerability. This can lead to men bottling up their emotions and eventually exploding in anger. This anger can be directed towards their partners, leading to domestic violence.

Third, toxic masculinity teaches men that they should be homophobic. This can lead to men being abusive towards their partners who are LGBTQ.

The Deadly Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Domestic Violence

Toxic masculinity can have deadly consequences for women. In many African communities, domestic violence is a leading cause of death for women. For example, in South Africa, one in five women is murdered by their intimate partners.

Toxic masculinity can also lead to other serious consequences for women, such as:

• Physical injuries: Domestic violence can cause a wide range of physical injuries, including bruises, broken bones, and even death.

• Mental and emotional trauma: Domestic violence can also cause serious mental and emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

• Financial hardship: Domestic violence can also lead to financial hardship for women, as they may be forced to leave their jobs or homes to escape their abusive partners.

How to Combat Toxic Masculinity and Promote Healthy Masculinity

Several things can be done to combat toxic masculinity and promote healthy masculinity. One important step is to educate men and boys about the dangers of toxic masculinity. This can be done through school programs, community workshops, and public awareness campaigns.

Another important step is to create role models for positive masculinity. This can be done by highlighting the stories of men who are successful and happy without conforming to traditional gender roles.

Finally, it is important to create a culture where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking help when they need it. This can be done by creating safe spaces for men to talk about their feelings and by providing access to mental health services.

Conclusion: The Deadly Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Domestic Violence

Toxic masculinity is a serious problem that contributes to domestic violence in African communities. 

It is important to recognize the dangers of toxic masculinity and to take steps to combat it. By educating men and boys about the dangers of toxic masculinity, creating role models for positive masculinity, and creating a culture where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions, we can help reduce domestic violence and build healthier communities.

For Africans in Diaspora

If you are an African living in the diaspora and you are experiencing domestic violence, there are several resources available to help you. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or your local domestic violence shelter for support. You can also contact your local African embassy or consulate for assistance. Resources:

• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://www.thehotline.org/
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/
• MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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