Sir, - Last autumn I met Mary Wallace and John O'Donoghue from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform who seemed totally oblivious to the problem of domestic violence against men. They suggested that I bring back hard evidence to support my contention.
In mid-January I met Dermot Ahern, Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, and pointed out that the issue is pertinent to his Department, since it is a social issue which affects both the family and the community. Until now it has been treated almost exclusively as a "women's issue". I pointed out to him that we are unlikely to arrive at balanced or just solutions while we continue to examine violence from this narrow and exclusive perspective. Undaunted, I proceeded with an application for funding from his Department.
Three months ago I requested an emergency meeting with Brian Cowen, Minister for Health, to discuss the issue and possible funding for the helpline. So far I have not had a positive response.
Many men I hear from are stressed, unable to sleep, depressed, suicidal (some have attempted to take their own lives). They are presenting in doctor's surgeries and many have been hospitalised. One would have thought that this topic should be of interest to the Department of Health also!
Since then, with the help of the media, I have established that this problem not only exists, but is of serious proportions, spanning all age groups and every stratum of society. I have received calls from over 1,000 men since setting up the Amen helpline last December.
These are the hidden and silent victims of one of the great taboos in our communities. Many of the callers have been further victimised by the wrongful and barbaric application of safety and barring orders, granted without any presumption of innocence, nor any real attempt being made to establish which is the guilty party.
Despite the apparent lack of interest by the statutory bodies and using my own very limited financial resources, I have established beyond doubt that there is an immense problem which now requires mainstream consideration and support. Clearly the issue is being given the runaround. The only funding I have received to date has come from the NSSB, which is to be complimented for its courage and insight.
I appeal once again for this problem to be given the attention it merits, through financial support in the immediate term and through statutory involvement by the Health, Education, Family and Justice Ministries. - Yours, etc.,
Mary T. Cleary,
Co-ordinator, Amen, St Patrick's Terrace, Navan, Co Meath.