MALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Informing Social ... - Amen

The stigma of being in a violent relationship and the fear of even
more negative consequences if others know about it, lead victims
and perpetrators to conspire in keeping secret the violence in their
relationship. (McKeown and Kidd, 2003:13)
Many of the men that contact Amen carry the affects of the abuse with them. The most
visible being the results of physical abuse, cuts, bruises, burns, or even broken bones.
Emotional/Psychological abuse remains concealed, male victims talk about being
deeply depressed isolated and even feeling suicidal (Cleary, 2004).
Research carried out by McKeown and Kidd (2003) highlights a common trend
throughout their research. They found that victims of domestic violence invariably
experience powerlessness within the relationship. Wiehe (1998) held the view that
being the victim of domestic abuse is destructive to one’s self-esteem and self-image.
A man that has been beaten by his wife or partner is most
likely to be a psychologically broken man; the male being
sexually abused by a female is usually a very vulnerable
personality who feels absolute shame and worthlessness.
(Thomas, 1993:138)
The services available to male victims of domestic violence
There are virtually no services for male victims of domestic violence any existing
services are geared towards female victims, even in countries where there is statistical
evidence; to show that domestic violence against men is a reality (McKeown and Kidd,
2003). In Ireland the only service solely dedicated to male victims of domestic violence
is Amen, located in Navan, Co. Meath. Mary Cleary founded the service in 1997.
Amen is an effective voluntary service that provides male victims of domestic violence
with information and support in relation to legal issues, decision-making and making
contact with counsellors/therapists. Amen to date has had in excess of 33,000 calls
from male victims and their families.
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