Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{196808,
        author = {A. THEERDHA VIJAI and NISITHA M. S},
        title = {BREAKING THE SILENCE: UNVEILING THE HIDDEN REALITY OF MEN AS VICTIMS OF CRIME IN SOUTH INDIA},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {4843-4847},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=196808},
        abstract = {Gender-based violence has long been framed as an issue predominantly affecting women, often leaving the experiences of men as victims overlooked and underrepresented. This article explores the hidden and complex reality of male victimization in South India, focusing on the various forms of abuse, their psychological and social consequences, and the structural barriers that prevent recognition and justice. Drawing upon research findings, cultural analysis, and institutional critiques, the discussion highlights how societal expectations, rigid masculinity norms, and gender-specific legal frameworks contribute to the silencing of male victims. The article emphasizes the urgent need for gender-inclusive awareness, legal reforms, and support systems that recognize victimization as a human issue rather than a gendered one. Ultimately, it calls for a shift toward a more equitable and victim-centered justice system.},
        keywords = {Male Victimization, Gender-Based Violence, Masculinity Norms, Social Stigma},
        month = {April},
        }