“I am able to regain myself”: a phenomenological study of Malaysian male domestic violence survivors

Domestic violence is a common issue worldwide, though its occurrence against male victims often receives less attention. This study explored the recovery experiences of male domestic violence survivors using a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the essence of the recovery experience. Six participants aged 25–40 were selected through purposive sampling. The criteria for inclusion encompassed male survivors who had reached the final stage of recovery and had ended their abusive relationships at least 6 months prior. This “final stage of recovery” denotes a phase where survivors have successfully dealt with the consequences of domestic violence, empowering them to progress positively in their lives. Data were collected from the six participants across three interview sessions, each lasting 90 min. Reflexive journals and field notes from the interviews were also used as data. Interview transcripts, documentation, and observations were translated into English and subsequently analyzed. The data were analyzed using Moustakas’s eight data analysis steps. Six major themes were identified from this study: (1) lost of hope and giving up, (2) affected mental health, (3) letting go and moving on, (4) spiritual assistance, (5) support from family and friends, and (6) self-transformation. These themes were then divided into two parts—recovery processes and recovery contributors—to demonstrate the essence of the men’s recovery experience from domestic violence. The results provided insights into understanding Malaysian men’s recovery experience from domestic violence. Implications of this study for the helping professions and future research are discussed.

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