Violence Against Men

Related documentary from the child-marriage research: The Echo of Silence.

Research Focus

This page introduces Kameel Ahmady’s research on men’s and boys’ experiences of violence and expectations of masculinity. For the associated book and available editions, see When Men Cry.

This book seeks to reconsider one of the less explored dimensions of contemporary social issues: the experiences, vulnerabilities, and challenges faced by men and boys in relation to violence, inequality, and social harm. Through a systematic and analytical approach, it critically examines prevailing stereotypes surrounding masculinity and gender roles, offering a more nuanced understanding of men’s positions and experiences within society.

Experiences and Expectations of Masculinity

In many dominant narratives, men are primarily portrayed as holders of power or perpetrators of violence. Social reality, however, is far more complex than such a one-dimensional representation suggests. Men and boys may themselves experience various forms of pressure, violence, deprivation, and vulnerability as a result of social, cultural, and economic structures, as well as expectations surrounding what it means to “be a man.” Many of these experiences remain overlooked, unheard, or insufficiently acknowledged.

Violence and Gender Justice

Addressing these issues does not mean denying, minimizing, or diminishing the serious and complex reality of violence against women, nor does this book seek to place the concerns of women and men in opposition to one another. Instead, it proceeds from the understanding that a more comprehensive analysis of violence and inequality requires space for the experiences and vulnerabilities of all social groups to be recognized and examined.

From this perspective, the book invites readers to move beyond simplistic gender binaries and the competition of suffering, toward a broader and more inclusive understanding of gender. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of men and boys, alongside the discrimination and violence experienced by women, can help reveal another important part of the complex social landscape of violence and inequality.

Ultimately, the book aims to contribute to a broader academic and social dialogue and to encourage movement toward genuine and inclusive gender justice—a form of justice in which safety, dignity, and freedom from violence are not privileges associated with any particular gender or group, but fundamental rights shared by all human beings.

References and Further Reading

This book is also available in Farsi and Kurdish. Follow the edition pages for publication and download details.

Introduction

Kameel Ahmady is a British-Iranian researcher working in the field of social anthropology, with a particular focus on gender, children, ethnic minorities, and child labour. Kameel was born in Iranian Kurdistan (also known as East Kurdistan). He obtained his Master’s degree in Social Anthropology and Visual Ethnography from the University of Kent, UK. His academic pursuits include specialized courses in Middle Eastern Politics and Research Methods from other British institutions. Known for studying harmful traditions, Ahmady serves as both a supervisor and developer for his teamwork research publications in Farsi, Kurdish, and English. In 2017, he was honoured with “Honour” prize by the UK based IKWRO organization at the University of Law in London. Subsequently, in 2018, at George Washington University, Global P.E.A.C.E. foundation bestowed upon him the “Literature and Humanities” award in recognition of his contributions to the field. Among his group works are titles such as ” Conformity and Resistance in Mahabad,” ” Another Look at East and Southeast of Turkey,” “In the Name of Tradition,” “A House on Water,” “The Echo of Silence,” ” Traces of Exploitation in Childhood,” and more….

FAQ About Violence Against Men

  • What does this research explore?

    It explores men’s and boys’ experiences of violence, vulnerability and expectations of masculinity.

  • Which book introduces this research?

    When Men Cry introduces the associated research. Its edition pages provide publication and download details.

  • How does this relate to violence against women?

    The book considers men’s and boys’ experiences alongside the discrimination and violence experienced by women, within a broader discussion of gender justice.

  • Does this overview establish a national prevalence rate?

    This overview does not establish a national prevalence rate. Consult the methods and scope of the associated publication when interpreting its findings.