The Role of Men (and Boys) in Breaking the Cycle of Intimate Partner Violence in South Africa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a problem that has been observed globally and in South Africa. Exposure of males to IPV can be traced back to the historical apartheid legacy and negative cultural and societal norms that infringe on women’s rights and perpetuate violence. Current empowerment interventions largely focus on victims, with little attention given to men and boys in fighting IPV. Using a peer-reviewed literature, this chapter aims to describe the unique role men can play in breaking the cycle of IPV. The chapter advocates for a paradigm shift towards men as role players in addressing IPV. The chapter emphasises the importance of men participating in restorative interventions where change-oriented dialogues are facilitated. A central theme is the involvement of men in challenging toxic masculinity, gender and societal norms through active dialogues and education. Addressing the intergenerational impact of IPV in men is key to breaking the cycle of violence and encouraging men and boys to be empathetic supporters of victim-survivors. Lastly, a key lesson from this chapter is that intervention strategies need to be holistic, collaborative, and multi-sectoral, involving men as active role players. Future research includes rigorous methods to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in the long term. Future research can involve exploring tools and strategies that disrupt harmful social norms without using violence.