Support may be needed where either an incident or a history of domestic abuse requires immediate medical attention or may give rise to an immediate housing need. Whilst the majority of victims are women, men can also be affected by domestic violence.
Useful Resources:
The COSC website provides useful information on what types of behaviour are regarded as domestic abuse. In particular it addresses the following issues:
- Learn more about domestic violence
- Am I in an abusive relationship?
- I am worried that my behaviour is harming my partner- where can I get help?
- Assistance for male victims of domestic violence
Support Services:
OSS Cork is a one-stop shop that provides information and services to men and women on a wide range of issues including legal, financial and housing. It is an inter-agency approach to the area of domestic violence and provides a free, confidential service that includes:
- Information (legal)
- Support
- Referral
- Advocacy
- Accompaniment
The service of the OSS is open to both men and women of all nationalities, sexual orientation, married/cohabiting couples or single people and is offered through:
- One on one sessions via appointment or walk-in
- Telephone helpline
In terms of legal information, the OSS Cork can provide clients with factual information on available domestic violence remedies, and where and how to apply for them. However, while this information can be provided, the OSS does not provide legal advice and must, in such cases, refer clients to a solicitor.
Another invaluable service provided by OSS is accompaniment for victims to Garda stations, Court proceedings, medical or GP offices etc. This is particularly vital for people or clients who may be experiencing intimidation, low self-esteem or language difficulties. Professional accompaniment can help clients to follow through with legal procedures, knowing they are not alone throughout proceedings.
Another support service is AMEN whose mission is to provide support and practical assistance to male victims of domestic abuse in Ireland, to promote increased awareness and understanding among the wider public of the issues surrounding domestic abuse; and to collaborate with statutory and non-statutory bodies to advance its aims and the needs of clients. It aims to break the stigma that has been created around domestic violence and treat them equally to women with this issue.
AMEN provides a number of services to male victims, including:
- Confidential Helpline which is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. This helpline is often the first point of contact for men, and their concerned family or friends.
- One-to-one Support Sessions offered to men and their family members who require further information or support. During these sessions, men are offered an opportunity to:
- Discuss the nature and effects of their abuse in detail,
- Address their concerns in relation to the welfare of their children,
- Seek assistance with the completion of court forms and various types of paperwork; and explore their counselling needs.
- Counselling is also offered and is facilitated by skilled psychotherapists who have experience and knowledge in the area of domestic abuse.
- Court Accompaniment Service is available and offered to men who require assistance in the District or Circuit Courts. Such assistance can be given with applications for Protection, Safety or Barring Orders; and Access, Custody and Guardianship applications.
Other Support Services:
- COSC is the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence. It operates to help, support and provide information for those affected by domestic or sexual violence. The COSC website explains what behaviour might be regarded as domestic abuse and provides useful information to victims of domestic violence. It also provides useful contacts/helplines for someone seeking to assist a victim of domestic violence.
- Tusla is the State run Child and Family Agency and it provides information on the Domestic, Sexual & Gender Based Violence Services available to those who are victims of domestic violence.
- Safe Ireland provides information on the domestic violence services and refuges available nationally to support the safety, practical, emotional and child related needs of women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The website also sets out information relating to the services and supports available to women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
- MOVE Ireland provides a service for men who want to change their harmful behaviour by engaging in a weekly group process. They also provide support and safety planning to all partners/ex-partners during and after their partners/ex-partners attendance on the programme.
Contacts
COSC – The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
- Address: Department of Justice and Equality, 2nd Floor, Montague Court, Montague Street, Dublin 2
- Tel: 01 4768680
- Email: cosc@justice.ie
- Website: cosc.ie
OSS Cork
- Address: 94 South Main Street, Cork City
- Tel: 1800 497 497
- Email: advice@osscork.ie
- Website: www.osscork.ie
- Times: 9am – 1pm, Monday to Friday
TUSLA – Child and Family Agency
- Address: Child and Family Agency, Block D, Park Gate Business Centre, Parkgate Street, Dublin, Ireland
- Tel:(01) 635 2854
- Website: http://www.tusla.ie/
Email: info@tusla.ie
Legal Aid Board
- Address: Legal Aid Board, Quay Street, Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry.
- Also 33 full time offices nationwide – other part-time offices
- Tel: (066) 947 1000 Lo-call No: 1890 615 200 Fax: (066) 947 1035
- Website: http://www.legalaidboard.ie
Free Legal Advice Centre
- Address: Free Legal Advice Centre, 13 Lower Dorset Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
- Legal information lines: Lo-Call: 1890 350 250 / +353 1 874 5690
- Website: http://www.flac.ie/
Citizens Information
- Address: Drop in 260 locations nationwide
- Tel: 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).
- Website: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/
AMEN
- Address: St Anne’s Resource Centre, Railway Street, Navan, Co Meath.
- Tel: 046 9023718
- Email: info@amen.ie
- Website: http://www.amen.ie
MOVE Ireland
- Address: MOVE (Ireland), Unit 2, First Floor, Clare Road Business Mall, Clare Road, Ennis, County Clare
- Tel: 065 684 8689 Fax: 065 684 3010
- Email: move@moveireland.ie
- Website: http://moveireland.ie
Barnardos
- Address: Barnardos National Office, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8. (Open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5pm)
- Tel: 01 453 0355 Callsave: 1850 222 300
- Email: info@barnardos.ie
- Website: http://www.barnardos.ie
