Op-Ed: The Struggle to Be Seen and Heard for Men

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In conversations about gender-based violence, the focus is most often on women and girls, who undeniably experience violence at alarmingly high rates. But there’s another group whose experiences are rarely acknowledged, discussed, or supported:

Men.

Male survivors of gender-based violence in Cambodia face a unique struggle, one compounded by societal expectations and the stigma that surrounds men’s vulnerability. Though their experiences are just as real, male survivors often find themselves isolated, ashamed, and without a support system.

Men are often taught from a young age to suppress their emotions, to be strong and resilient. In many ways, these expectations are internalized, creating a mindset where admitting to trauma feels like a failure.

This cultural context not only hinders men from seeking help but also makes them reluctant to identify as survivors in the first place. Admitting to victimhood can feel like breaking a social contract, as if one’s masculinity is being called into question.

Invisible Pain: The Struggle to Be Seen and Heard

For male survivors, the journey begins not with reporting but with an internal struggle to accept and name what they have gone through. Gender-based violence against men can take many forms: domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or other abuses of power. Yet, in a society where men are expected to “tough it out,” acknowledging these experiences is often seen as a weakness.

The cultural expectation to “be strong” leaves little room for men to admit vulnerability. Men who try to speak out about their experiences may face disbelief, dismissal, or outright ridicule, as many still believe that gender-based violence is a “women’s issue” and that men cannot be victims.

Furthermore, the public narrative around gender-based violence focuses almost exclusively on female survivors, reinforcing the notion that men do not need—or deserve—the same level of empathy or support. With few public figures or community leaders openly discussing male vulnerability, the lack of role models compounds the stigma, leaving male survivors to feel that they are alone in their experiences.

The Mental Health Toll: Beyond Physical Scars

Surviving gender-based violence leaves more than just physical scars. Male survivors in Cambodia often experience profound psychological impacts, from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues are compounded by feelings of isolation and shame, as men struggle to reconcile their trauma with society’s expectations of masculinity. The fear of judgment keeps many survivors from reaching out, leading to emotional struggles that grow worse over time.

The impact of this silence extends beyond individual survivors, affecting families and communities as well. Unaddressed trauma often spills over into other areas of life, affecting relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life. Male survivors who repress their trauma may experience difficulty forming close relationships or may struggle to manage anger and stress, impacting their interactions with family and friends. In the long term, the emotional toll on male survivors can have ripple effects throughout society, perpetuating cycles of trauma and pain.

Research shows that people who experience trauma and do not receive adequate support are at a higher risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, and even perpetrating violence themselves. When men are discouraged from processing their pain, they carry that burden with them, often unknowingly transferring it to others.

Final Thoughts:

Ultimately, addressing the mental health of male survivors of gender-based violence requires a shift in how Cambodian society views masculinity. Vulnerability should not be seen as a weakness; instead, it can be a source of strength, resilience, and healing. Men who come forward to share their stories are courageous, breaking down the barriers that have long kept them in silence.

Public awareness campaigns can help challenge the myths that prevent men from seeking help, creating a narrative that validates male survivors’ experiences. These campaigns could include stories from male survivors who are willing to share their experiences, giving others the courage to come forward.

Cambodia can look to international examples where mental health programs and support groups specifically address the needs of male survivors, offering models that encourage both empathy and acceptance. By adapting these models, Cambodian communities can create environments where men feel empowered to acknowledge their experiences and seek healing.

In the end, breaking the silence around male survivors is not just about individual healing but about building a compassionate society that honors the dignity and humanity of all its members. As Cambodia continues to address gender-based violence, let us not forget that male survivors, too, deserve spaces where they can speak openly, seek support, and begin to heal.