The service is being launched today.
The Men's Development Network, a Waterford-based charity that focuses on men's issues, has announced that it will launch a new helpline designed specifically to support male victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
The advice line, which can be accessed on 1800 816 588, will be operated by "expert counsellors from across the country" and offer 36 hours support each week (Monday to Friday).
It is designed to provide an outlet for men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse in their relationship to speak confidentially with professionals who are trained to advise on gender-based domestic crime.
The Men's Development Network works in alliance with women's organisations, and is an official partner of the HSE and the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence.
The core funder of the new service is TUSLA, the Child and Family agency is responsible for supporting and promoting the development, welfare and protection of children and the effective functioning of families.
Sean Cooke, CEO of the Men’s Development Network commented: "The most-recent research from the National Crime Agency estimates that more than 300,000 people, approximately 6% of men and 15% women, have experienced domestic abuse in their relationships. While more women are affected than men, only 5% of men report incidents to the Gardaí, indicating that the majority of men suffer alone."
Thelma Blehein, senior co-ordinator for Domestic Violence at TUSLA said: "Unfortunately, the reality is that it is difficult for victims of sexual and gender-based crime to speak out. While domestic, sexual and gender-based violence can occur in all social classes, all ethnic groups and cultures and among people of every educational background, they are all too often hidden."
Chair of the Men’s Development Network, Noel Synnott, said: "
Research shows that talking to a trained listener gives immediate support when it is most needed and can help a caller make better sense of what's happening and create a plan to deal with it.
"We know it is difficult for male victims to come forward so I would like to assure potential callers that the line is completely confidential and manned by trained experts."
The Men's Development Network also has perpetrator-focused programmes that seek to reduce domestic abuse against women.
More information on the Men's Development Network can be found
here.
