Marie-Louise Connolly reports on the male victims of domestic violence:
Men experiencing domestic violence is rarely reported.
But according to the government and various voluntary agencies there has been a dramatic increase in the number of calls received by men who claim to be suffering physical and mental abuse at home.
Many men are too afraid and embarrassed to admit to being victims of domestic violence.
The Men’s Advisory Project in Belfast says it has had a considerable increase in the number of calls from men who want help. But with a lack of resources – very often there is no one there to answer the phone.
Support worker, Maxine McCutheon says domestic violence against men needs to be recognised more by the government.
She says men also need refuges where they can go and facilities that can help them with for instance legal aid.
All victims, regardless of gender, deserve equal recognition, especially concerning the horror of domestic violence. Too many current institutions give lopsided and sexist support to victims of domestic abuse.
What do you think?
