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Contacts to Men's Aid increased by 37% during 2021

The number of contacts to the country's domestic violence abuse support service for men rose by 37% last year compared to 2020.

Of the 7,561 contacts - ranging in ages between 18 and 88 - 94% disclosed that the perpetrator was female.

The remaining 6% said the abuse was by another man and/or family member.

The report says Men's Aid, which is the only dedicated domestic abuse support service for men in the country, successfully dealt with 6,690 calls.

However, the helpline missed 630 calls due to a lack of resources, according to Chief Executive Kathrina Bentley.

Overall, 43% of calls came from the Dublin region, followed by the northeast, then Galway/West of Ireland according to Ms Bentley.

Last year, Men's Aid facilitated 522 counselling appointments, 244 support appointments in the Family Law Courts and 105 outreach appointments.

Twenty-five different nationalities contacted the charity, including some survivors with little or no English language.

Online tools were used to help them to communicate.

Ms Bentley said the increase in contacts last year "exceeded expectations" of the small frontline team.

However, she said it showed that more men were finding the confidence to come forward for support.

She added that the men who call the helpline often do not see themselves as a victim of a perpetrator of domestic violence or coercive control.

This highlights how language can be a barrier to seeking support or reporting abuse according to the organisation.

It has stressed the importance of "inclusive representation" in awareness, education and discussion as society works towards Zero Tolerance.

Men's Aid Confidential National Support Helpline: 01 554 3811, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

If you have been impacted by issues raised in this report, support is available.