AN INVESTIGATION OF CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS AS CONTRIBUTORS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERPETUATED AGAINST MEN: A CASE STUDY OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex social problem, and an obstacle to social and economic progress in developing regions of the world (South Africa not exempted). Generally, intimate partner violence occurs in the private sphere of the family and poses serious risk to lives and the broader society. This article was prompted by the paucity of data on the growing problem of IPV against men in Limpopo province of South Africa, particularly the narrow focus on cultural norms and standard towards men. It examines the impact of cultural values on IPV against men. Furthermore, the article evaluates what changes may be implemented within cultural norms and standards to include male as victims of domestic violence. A qualitative method was adopted to garner participants’ perceptions of IPV against men. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with ten members of the House of Traditional Leaders. Findings indicate that instances of Intimate Partner Violence against men in Limpopo province are primarily influenced by the cultural norms, values, language, and other traditional factors The implication of the findings on efforts at combating IPV against men are discussed.