In a world where gender-based violence is often framed as a women’s issue, the recent story of Paul Weboya, also known as ‘Mr. Hashtag,’ on X (formerly Twitter), highlights the often-overlooked reality of men being abused by their partners.

Paul’s traumatizing account of the abuse he silently endured during his marriage to his now ex-wife, Mutoni, sheds light on a disturbing pattern of emotional, verbal, and physical violence.

This abuse not only shattered his family but continues to haunt him as he battles for a role in his child’s life.

Men who face domestic violence are frequently dismissed, ignored, or silenced by societal norms and civil institutions, which are largely focused on protecting women.

“I shared those videos with my inner circle because she’d twist every argument to make me the villain.” He said.

Mr. Hashtag’s story is far from unique, but it is rarely shared. Domestic violence against men remains a taboo topic, often overshadowed by the cultural assumption that men are always the perpetrators.

According to global studies, including those by the World Health Organization, men account for a significant minority of domestic violence victims—estimates range from 10% to 30% depending on the region—yet their cases are under reported

Civil society’s focus on women as victims while rooted in historical inequities creates a blind spot for men like him.

When he sought redress, he found himself labeled a “deadbeat father,” a stigma reinforced by his wife’s narrative of victimization.

In response, during a TV interview about the incident, the wife, appearing to shed ‘crocodile tears,’ downplayed the violence and instead portrayed herself as the victim of abuse.

This double standard is further aggravated by the absence of evidence—where men’s claims are often dismissed as mere hearsay. Yet, the emotional toll of the situation remains undeniable.

The question now is: Who will step in to save the boy child, who suffers in silence under the belief that ‘real men’ must endure pain?