Male victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence, according to a new support line launched today.

Only 5pc of male domestic abuse victims report incidents to the gardaí, according to research from the National Crime Agency.

Launched by the Men’s Development Network, the hotline aims to support up to 5,000 calls a year from male victims of domestic abuse.

“Our research shows that most men suffer their abuse in silence because they are ashamed and believe it makes them less of a man,” said Sean Cooke, the CEO of the network.

“As a charity, we believe that a positive outcome for women is not the only benefit of gender equality. By supporting men to better their lives we will bring about real societal change,” he said.

The hotline aims to be a helping hand for male abuse victims by offering professional advice. The charity then works with all parties involved in the abuse to work in resolving the issues.

Some common indicators of domestic abuse include verbal abuse and belittling, jealousy, on-going accusations of being unfaithful, false allegations and preventing from seeing children.

“The arrival of our male advice line today not only highlights that support is needed across the board where sexual and gender-based crime exists, it also offers a much-needed opportunity to communicate the damage that male stereotyping can cause when it comes to equality,” he added.

“We hope today is the start of building a bridge between victims and support and increasing public conversation around the too often unknown realities of sexual, gender-based and domestic crime in Ireland,” said Noel Synott, the Chair of the charity.

According to the Men’s Development Network website, the Waterford based charity works with men on various levels including one-to-one, developmental, parenting, behaviour change group work, training, phone line support and awareness raising.

The hotline will be in operation for 36 hours a week Monday to Friday and can be accessed at 1800 816 588.

Online Editors