Domestic Violence
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-04
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Colm Brophy (FG), Dublin South-West

I thank the Senator for raising and putting a light on what is an important issue. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is fully committed to supporting victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, DSGBV, irrespective of gender, and to ensuring that services in Ireland are accessible, effective and responsive to identified needs. The Government absolutely recognises that men and boys can be victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Through the delivery of the third national DSGBV strategy, with its overall aim of zero tolerance, we are working with partners across Government and within the sector to prevent all forms of DSGBV and to support anyone who is a victim of it. It is important to emphasise that Ireland’s domestic violence legislation is gender neutral, meaning both men and women are afforded the same protections under the law.
Under budget 2026, funding was increased to almost €80 million to support Cuan and other services working to tackle DSGBV and to support the implementation of the zero tolerance strategy.
This represents an increase of €12 million year on year. Through this funding, Cuan supports the delivery and development of 78 domestic and sexual violence organisations across Ireland, and a number of these provide specialist services specifically for male victims. Cuan funds the national male advice line, operated by the Men's Development Network, a service that operates seven days a week and provides confidential advice and support to male victims of domestic violence. Male victims can also access services provided by the Rape Crisis Centre and other specialist organisations, which offer free and confidential support to victim survivors of sexual abuse of all genders. The national rape crisis helpline operates 24 hours a day and is available to anyone affected by rape, sexual assault or other forms of sexual violence, regardless of gender. Currently, Cuan only provides funding for these helplines, as well as the national Women's Aid helpline. Men's Aid Ireland has not sought specific funding to make its national helpline, which operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, available 24 hours a day.
It should be noted that action has been taken to develop accommodation supports for male victims, in partnership with organisations within the DSGBV sector. The Men's Development Network has partnered with Sonas Domestic Violence Charity to establish a referral pathway to safe home accommodation for male victims and provide wraparound supports where needed.
Importantly, Cuan is currently undertaking work to strengthen the evidence base around DSGBV in Ireland. This includes supporting the development of improved data collection on the prevalence of domestic violence affecting both men and women. This work will inform future service delivery planning and the development of a national DSGBV services development plan. Through these actions, the Government continues to work to ensure that supports remain accessible and responsive to all victims and survivors, regardless of gender.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-03-04/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:43+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-04