Development of the Men’s Advice Line & Working With Men Experiencing Domestic Violence Mark Coulter Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Background From small-scale project to national helpline Victimisation NOT the issue Relationships ARE the issue Gender role socialisation key to appropriate services Men are ‘problem-solvers’ Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Er Hello!!!! Remove gender & increase risk Not all violence the same Exclusive not inclusive Add-ons but dominant culture remains Us and Them Lack of engagement No single profile of perpetrator or victim Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Men & Health Lack of awareness of their health needs Inability to express their emotions Lack of social networks Life or Death Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

What men fear Powerlessness Not being valued Abandonment Self Being ‘other’ Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

What we do Give men a chance to talk about their experiences Challenge Denial Provide emotional & practical support Focus on needs of individual caller Non-judgmental & non-collusive Encourage help-seeking Support & enhance crisis management skills Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

What is different in our approach? Male positive approach Use plain language-not language of therapy Non-collusive Support men making positive choices in tough times Explore solutions not emotions WE DON’T BLAME WOMEN Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Challenges Providing services for men requires Centrality of understanding of gender Power & Control Primary focus on safety Investment Training New Ways of Working and Thinking Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Challenges for victim focussed agencies Victim or Perpetrator Bi-directional violence and abuse Mutual allegations Working with single incident & pattern of abuse Limits to confidentiality Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Significant Benefits Inclusive service Makes men visible Assists risk management Enhances women’s safety Assists child protection We are in this together Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology

Father Kills Children in Blaze June 2007 Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works? 28 th to 30 th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology