AZE.US
The number of men reporting domestic violence in Azerbaijan has increased sharply, according to new data from the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs.
During the first six months of 2026, 47 men contacted the committee after experiencing violence at home, up from 30 during the same period last year. That represents an increase of nearly 57%.
In total, the committee received 292 domestic violence-related appeals between January and June. Of those, 230 were submitted by women, 47 by men and 15 by children.
The overall number of complaints rose by 51 compared with the first half of 2025. While women continue to make up the overwhelming majority of those seeking help, officials said the most notable increase was among male victims.
The cases involved both physical and psychological abuse.
Sociologist Uzeyir Shafiyev said domestic violence is often discussed almost exclusively as violence against women, even though men and children can also become victims.
He noted that domestic violence is not limited to physical attacks. It can also include emotional abuse, humiliation, threats, financial pressure and other forms of coercive control.
According to Shafiyev, many men have traditionally avoided reporting abuse because of shame, fear of public ridicule and social expectations that men should solve family problems without seeking outside help.
The increase in complaints may therefore reflect not only a rise in violence, but also a greater willingness among men to report abuse and seek legal or psychological assistance.
The State Committee said all 47 men included in the latest figures had personally experienced domestic violence. In some cases, they also raised concerns about violence directed at their children.
Each complaint is reviewed, and victims may receive legal, psychological and social support.
When an incident contains signs of a criminal offense, the case can be referred to law enforcement agencies. In cases involving psychological abuse or conduct that does not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution, administrative penalties may apply.
Authorities may also issue short-term protection orders restricting an alleged abuser’s contact with the victim.
Former police official Shamsaddin Aliyev said Azerbaijan’s current protection mechanisms remain insufficient. He argued that courts should be given greater authority to issue protection orders and assess the risk of further violence.
Aliyev also said the alleged abuser, rather than the victim, should be temporarily removed from the family home. Such measures, he added, should apply equally to men and women accused of violence.
Experts have also called for clearer legal definitions and more specific penalties covering different forms of domestic abuse.
AZE.US