Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant social and public health problem globally. While women
are disproportionately affected, men can also be victims, though this phenomenon receives scant
attention, particularly in African contexts like Nigeria. This study assessed the socio-demographic
determinants of GBV against married men in Kogi State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to
examine the prevalence of GBV, identify influencing socio-demographic factors, and evaluate its effects
on men. The study was anchored on the Frustration-Aggression and Social Cognitive theories. A cross-
sectional descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 424 married men in Ankpa
LGA using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study
revealed a high prevalence (85.5%) of GBV, with verbal (98.3%), emotional (94.8%), sexual (91.9%),
and psychological (82.3%) violence being the most common forms; physical violence was the least
reported (37.9%). Key socio-demographic determinants included younger age at marriage, lower
educational attainment, unemployment, lower household income, and rural residence. The effects on
men included depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, trauma, and marital instability. The study
recommends that the Nigerian government and relevant NGOs create awareness about GBV against
men and establish marital counseling centers where male victims can seek confidential support and
intervention.