Iraq records nearly 200 cases of violence against men in 2025

BAGHDAD,— The Community Police Directorate of Iraq’s Ministry of Interior reported on Friday that it handled more than 800 domestic violence cases over the past year and said economic pressure, drug use and alcohol consumption continue to be the leading drivers of abuse inside homes across the country, the Iraqi News Agency reported.

Colonel Moayed Hadi, a spokesperson for the directorate, said drug use remains one of the strongest factors fueling family disputes and assaults.

He added that many households face a decline in monthly income and worsening financial conditions, which officials said also contribute to rising tensions.

According to Hadi, alcohol use has intensified some confrontations in several communities across Iraq.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the directorate reported what it described as a modest drop in overall domestic violence cases compared with last year.

Hadi stated that the decline contradicted earlier expectations from local monitoring groups, which had anticipated an increase.

The agency recorded 196 cases of violence against men during the current year. Incidents ranged from expulsion from family homes to physical assault and verbal abuse.

Community Police teams said they successfully addressed 146 of those cases and projected that the number of resolved incidents would likely pass 150 by year’s end.

Violence against women continued to represent the majority of reported incidents. Officials said 1,055 cases involving women were documented in 2024, with 682 of them handled or settled by Community Police units.

Hadi noted that many of these cases stemmed from long-standing family disputes and financial strain.

Children also faced various forms of abuse. The directorate said cases involving minors tended to be more complex, often involving harassment, forced begging or confinement.

Officials added that such cases usually require extended investigation because of the multiple parties and social issues involved.

A men’s advocacy group said in June 2025 that reports of domestic violence against men are rising in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with 194 official complaints filed since the beginning of the year.

Burhan Ali, head of the Kurdistan Region Men’s Union, told Alsumaria News that more male victims have taken their cases to court between January and May 1, 2025, reporting abuse by their spouses.

(With files from INA | Agencies)