Poor Hubbies

Rise in husband abuse cases reveals hidden domestic violence crisis


Men experience various forms of abuse, not just physical harm.

By IZWAN ROZLIN

20 Nov 2025 12:24pm

According to Siti Kamsiah (inset), the abuse experienced by husbands comes in various forms and is not limited to physical injury alone. Stock photo.



KUALA LUMPUR – The number of husbands suffering abuse at the hands of their wives has risen sharply over the past five years, according to the Bukit Aman's Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division's (D11), which recorded 453 cases from 2020 until July 2025.

The statistics highlight a troubling trend: 44 cases were reported in 2020, increasing to 74 in 2021.

The figure surged again to 100 cases in 2022. While 2023 saw a slight drop to 71 cases, the numbers climbed back up to 96 in 2024.



The statistics highlight a troubling trend: 44 cases were reported in 2020, increasing to 74 in 2021.



Principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner of D11, Siti Kamsiah Hassan said this year’s figures are already nearing last year’s total, with 68 cases recorded from January to July 2025.

“Although there was a slight decrease in 2023, the overall trend is still rising.

“This year, with only half the year gone, there are already 68 cases and the likelihood of exceeding 100 cases is high,” she said.

Kamsiah said that husbands experience various forms of abuse, not just physical harm.

Reports include husbands being hit, kicked and injured, with some suffering serious injuries.

Psychological and emotional abuse is also widespread, involving constant insults, degrading name-calling and having items thrown at them even if the objects do not strike the victim.

“There are husbands who are cursed, insulted and emotionally pressured every day to the point that it affects their mental stability. Such acts are also categorised as abuse,” she added.

Economic abuse is another common pattern, where wives take full control of finances, restrict access to money or dictate all household expenses, leaving husbands without autonomy in providing for the family.

In more severe cases, issues rooted in infidelity or affairs escalate into violent physical confrontations.

Kamsiah said many cases occurred repeatedly over a long period before victims finally seek help.

“Many of these cases occur repeatedly over a long period before the victims finally lodge a police report.

“Many husbands have actually been experiencing abuse for a long time, but only report it after a major incident or serious injury occurs,” she said.

The worrying upward trend highlights how domestic violence affects victims regardless of gender and often remains hidden until the harm becomes severe.