“Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.”. This pursuit of true justice demands that we examine our legal frameworks and societal structures to ensure they serve all members of society, regardless of gender. The alarming rise in male suicides in India, often linked to untreated mental health issues and the feeling of being trapped in abusive situations without legal recourse, compels us to confront a silent crisis.
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals a disturbing trend: suicide rates in India are alarming, with men disproportionately affected. In 2022, approximately 72% of suicide victims were men, roughly 342 men each day. This escalating trend reflects lives lost, families devastated, and a failure to address the unique pressures men face.
Traditional expectations of men play a significant role. Men are often pressured to be providers, strong, and stoic. Showing emotion is perceived as weakness, and seeking help is considered a sign of failure. This toxic environment discourages men from expressing emotional pain, leading to silent suffering that can culminate in suicide. Men facing mental health issues like depression and anxiety often encounter judgment and ridicule instead of support. They are told to «toughen up» instead of receiving necessary help. This pressure is frequently compounded by financial worries, relationship problems, and job stress.
While various factors contribute to suicide, the gender aspect cannot be ignored. Societal expectations for men, coupled with a lack of accessible mental health support, create a dangerous situation. Legal frameworks, while often well-intentioned, can overlook men›s struggles, particularly with domestic abuse. While laws rightly protect women, men can also be victims of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Current laws often fail to recognize this, leaving male victims without recourse. This lack of legal protection can amplify feelings of helplessness and despair, contributing to high suicide rates. Furthermore, it›s often seen that even relatives of the husband, who don›t even reside in the shared household, are implicated in cases of harassment. This misuse of the law further complicates matters.
Therefore, gender-neutral laws are crucial. This does not diminish the importance of laws protecting women. It means acknowledging that both genders face unique challenges and ensuring the legal system addresses them equitably. We need laws that explicitly recognize male victims of domestic violence, providing the same protections and support as women. This includes access to shelters, counseling, legal aid, and protective orders. A gender-neutral domestic violence law is not about minimizing women›s struggles; it is about acknowledging men›s suffering and ensuring equal access to justice and support.
Beyond domestic violence, we need laws recognizing male victims of sexual assault and false accusations, providing legal recourse and support. We need laws addressing men›s needs in family matters, promoting shared parenting and recognizing fathers› vital role in their children›s lives. Workplace harassment and discrimination laws should also be gender-neutral. Enacting these laws is only the first step. Effective implementation and enforcement are crucial. Law enforcement, legal professionals, and judges must understand the unique challenges men face, especially abuse victims, and be trained to handle cases with empathy. This requires training that addresses biases and promotes a nuanced understanding of gender. Legal aid and mental health services should be accessible and affordable for everyone.
Beyond legal changes, a cultural shift is essential. We must dismantle the notion that men should not seek help, especially when abused. We need a society where men feel safe to report domestic violence without judgment, where showing vulnerability is seen as strength, and where mental health is a priority for all. This requires open conversations, challenging traditional gender roles, and promoting emotional understanding from a young age. Schools, families, and communities must foster a supportive environment for men. Increased funding for mental health research and awareness campaigns specifically for men, including those experiencing domestic abuse, is also vital.
The rising rate of male suicides, often linked to untreated mental health issues and feeling trapped in abusive situations without legal help, is a national tragedy. The misuse of laws, where even relatives of the husband are implicated in harassment cases despite not living in the shared home, adds another layer of complexity. We must act now. Gender-neutral laws, especially a gender-neutral domestic violence law, along with changing attitudes towards men and mental health, are crucial to prevent further loss of life and build a more equitable society. The time for silence is over. We must act, together.
The author is Legal Researcher, Columnist and Fourth Year Law Student at University of Lucknow.
