First shelter for abused men opens in Navan

The first emergency shelter for abused men in the State has been opened in Navan, Co Meath. Amen, the support group for male victims of domestic violence, is providing the accommodation and is seeking funding from health boards and the Government.

The three-bedroomed house called Sos Beag has already sheltered 13 men, said Ms Mary Cleary, Amen co-ordinator. "It is intended that the centre will provide a shortterm transitional solution for men and their children who are forced to leave their homes due to the conduct of their spouses, partners or other family members," she said.

"The men who contact our helpline are often forced to leave their homes for a variety of reasons and have nowhere to go." Ms Cleary said some men ended up sleeping rough in cars, sheds or park benches. "The effects this can have on their lives can be devastating." These men will have access to Amen's support services, including, where possible, counselling. "We can tell them about the protections available to them under the law," she said. "But what they really need is a place to put their heads down for the night. They are deflated when they come to us. Their confidence is in their boots."

Ms Cleary said she did not envisage setting up a string of male refuges around the State. "You could open refuge after refuge but they will not solve the problem. You need to look at what is causing the problem." Ms Cleary said Amen had contacted health boards around the State for financial assistance and was still waiting for a response. "Ideally, we would need a big premises, with offices and accommodation in the one building. This is only a small beginning. But we would need about £20,000 a year towards the running of the place," she said.