The Men Also Cry: Intertextual Construction of Men’s Victimhood in Newspaper Reports on Domestic Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite increasing recognition of Domestic violence (DV) against women, limited research addresses how it affects men, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the intertextual construction of men’s victimhood in newspaper reports on DV from 2019 to 2023. Using Bazerman’s intertextuality framework to analyze 90 newspaper reports, findings show regional variations in media coverage. There was a notable increase in media coverage of men’s victimhood from COVID to post-COVID in West and East Africa, while Southern Africa experienced a decrease, suggesting a shift in media focus. The study emphasizes textual interrelations in raising awareness and the need for support for male victims. Additionally, it reveals how dominant narratives influence the visibility and framing of male victims in DV media reportage.