Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Study of Male Victims’ Experiences With Their Natal and In-Law Families

Research indicates that male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are often reluctant to seek help. When they do, they frequently turn to their informal support networks, such as natal and in-law families, rather than formal societal resources. In Nigeria, where the influence of these families is particularly strong, there is a notable absence of studies exploring how supportive these familial relationships are for heterosexual male victims. To address this critical gap in the literature, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 Nigerian heterosexual male victims of IPV. Using content analysis within a grounded theory framework, we identified four key themes. Our findings indicated that regardless of whether natal and in-law families were perceived as supportive or unsupportive, victims experienced negative emotional consequences. Based on these insights, we offer targeted recommendations and implications for both practice and research.