Inclusive Justice and Sustainable Legal Protections Against Domestic Violence: A Comparative Study of UK, Canada, and Australia

Abstract

Domestic violence is a widespread issue that affects individuals across genders, yet in India, male victims remain primarily invisible due to societal stigma, media bias, and legal discrimination. Existing laws, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act, 2005) and Sec. 84 and 85 BNS (Sec. 498A of IPC), exclusively protect women, leaving men without legal recourse. Media narratives reinforce gender stereotypes, portraying men solely as perpetrators, which contributes to underreporting, lack of institutional support, and severe psychological consequences for male victims. This research examines the legal, social, and psychological challenges faced by men and compares India’s gendered legal framework with gender-neutral domestic violence laws in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Furthermore, the study highlights how the exclusion of men from domestic violence protections directly impacts Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.4 and 3.8, which focus on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and achieving universal health coverage. High suicide rates among married men, limited access to mental health services, and the absence of dedicated support structures underscore the need for legal reforms, media accountability, and gender-inclusive policies. This paper advocates for gender-neutral domestic violence laws, improved mental healthcare access, and policy reforms to ensure a more just and equitable society.