The Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) is a counselling and support organisation for men in Northern Ireland.

Important research is currently being carried out to examine the experience of male victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland and their experience of service support. This research has two main strands:

1. Case studies of male victims

We are looking for adult males in Northern Ireland who have experienced domestic abuse to participate in a case study interview. You can contact Daryl Sweet on 028 9024 1929 or daryl@mapni.co.uk to find out more about getting involved or helping to access participants.

2. Attitudes questionnaire

An attitudes questionnaire is available online and can be answered by all adult men and women, even if you have not had any experience of domestic abuse. The aim of this questionnaire is to look at public awareness of domestic abuse issues.

Background to the research

MAP are carrying out this project with funding from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The project stems from the ‘Tackling Violence at Home’ Action Plan.

Why is the research being carried out?

The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the needs and experience of male victims of domestic abuse in order to improve support services for these individuals. Research such as the Northern Ireland Crime Survey (2008) suggests that as many as 8% of all men in NI have been victims, although this figure could be much higher since a lot of men do not fully understand what domestic abuse is, or may be reluctant to identify as a victim. PSNI figures show that in 2007/2008, 24% of adult victims of domestic crimes (where the gender of the victim was known) were men.

Many pieces of research have been carried out on female victims that have helped health and service professionals react to and help these victims, but very little research has looked at male victims. Male victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland are therefore an invisible population and this means it is harder for them to get support if they are in an abusive relationship. Many men aren’t aware of what domestic abuse or where they can go for support if they are victims. This research hopes to tell their story and help future victims to receive the support they deserve.

Who is eligible to participate?

All adult males in Northern Ireland who have experienced domestic abuse are eligible for our case studies. Domestic abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or sexual. It can be inflicted on you by a current or previous intimate partner, or a family member, even if you do not live together. If you are unsure about whether you are (or have been) a victim you can contact MAP for confidential advice.

All adult men and women in Northern Ireland, including those who have had no experience of domestic abuse, can complete the attitudes questionnaire.

Confidentiality

Your participation in this project is completely anonymous and confidential. You will not be identified as an individual and all data will be held securely and only used for the purposes of this research project.

Timeline for the research

The attitudes questionnaire will run to the end of November 2009. Case studies will run from November to February 2010. The final research report will be available by April 2010 and we hope to present a conference on our findings May 2010. Results will also be available via this website.

More information

The above information is a short overview, you can contact Daryl Sweet on 028 9024 1929 or daryl@mapni.co.uk for a full participant information sheet, to help you make an informed decision about whether or not you wish to participate.