Men urged to speak out about domestic abuse

MEN have been urged to speak out about domestic abuse as statistics show that one third of all domestic abuse crimes in Northern Ireland happen to males.

Domestic abuse is often associated with women being the victim, and men are at times overlooked when it comes to domestic abuse support.

However, throughout Tyrone, numerous men are being abused, and a local support worker believe that the number of men suffering is on rise.

Declan O’Neill is a support worker in the Omagh area, and he is urging these men who are suffering to speak out and seek help.

“There is a great risk posed to men in the family home.

“As a support worker for men, I have seen an increase in the number of men suffering from domestic abuse and I am having to turn men away that need help and support.
“The same laws are there to protect both male and female,” said Mr O’Neill.

Mr O’Neill believes that the current Covid-19 crisis could lead to further incidents and men may feel that they are stuck at home.

He said, “With the rise in loss of jobs and increased tension in the family home, more and more men than ever are reporting abuse with limited resources to help protect men and with no refuge anywhere.

“In the whole of Northern Ireland, men have nowhere to go for their own safety.

“We ask them not to suffer in silence, seek help and support as soon as possible.”

Men’s Advisory Project have been supporting, listening and helping men for over 20 years.

The charity will help the victim make sense of what is going on, and help the victim make life changing decisions which will lead to a safer and happier life again.

Rhonda Lusty from Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) said, “Home should be a place where you can feel happy and safe.

“We know that many men do not feel that way. In fact statistics from the PSNI show that a third of all domestic abuse crime in Northern Ireland happens to men.

“Asking for help is the strongest and bravest move you can take, but it can also be the most frightening.

“We want to reassure you that the Men’s Advisory Project is here for you,” said Rhonda.

Men’s advisory Project can be contacted on 028 9024 1929 or 028 7116 0001.

A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past, on 0808 802 1414.
Contact Declan O’Neill in Omagh on 07856188885.

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