224 Men Filed Domestic Violence Protection Orders in Mauritius in 2025

Domestic violence in Mauritius is often discussed through the lens of women's suffering — but new figures reveal that men are also seeking legal protection in significant numbers. According to data reported by Le Défi Media, 224 men filed applications for Protection Orders in Mauritius in 2025, shedding light on a dimension of domestic violence that rarely makes headlines. **What is a Protection Order?** A Protection Order is a legal instrument available under Mauritius's Protection from Domestic Violence Act (PDVA). It is issued by a District Court and prohibits an abusive person from contacting, approaching, or harming the applicant. Victims — whether male or female — can apply at their nearest District Court, often with support from the police Family Protection Unit (FPU), which operates across the island. These orders can be granted swiftly, sometimes on the same day in urgent cases, and breaching one is a criminal offence. **Why does this matter?** The figure of 224 male applicants in 2025 is significant for several reasons. First, it confirms that men do experience domestic violence in Mauritius — whether physical, psychological, or financial abuse — and are increasingly willing to seek formal legal protection. Second, it challenges the cultural stigma that often prevents men from reporting abuse or being taken seriously when they do. Mauritius has historically focused its domestic violence support infrastructure on women and children, with shelters and NGOs such as SOS Femmes and Kinouété primarily serving female victims. Resources specifically tailored to male victims remain limited. **A broader picture** While 224 applications represent a notable number, it is unclear how these compare to the total volume of Protection Orders filed by all genders in 2025, or how many of these applications resulted in orders being granted. The figures do not specify the nature of relationships involved — such as spousal, parental, or cohabiting partnerships — nor the types of abuse alleged. Domestic violence cases in Mauritius are handled by District Courts and supported by the FPU. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare oversees national policy on the issue. **What this means** For anyone experiencing domestic violence in Mauritius — regardless of gender — legal protection is available. Men who feel unsafe at home are entitled to apply for a Protection Order at their local District Court. The police Family Protection Unit can also be contacted for guidance and support. Awareness of this right appears to be growing, as these 2025 figures suggest. Source: Le Défi Media