Women advocate for increased support for male domestic abuse victims

Approximately 30 women convened in Belfast on Saturday to draw attention to insufficient assistance for male victims of domestic violence. The demonstration included participants wearing fluorescent pink attire and relatives of men who have experienced such abuse. Among those present were the twin daughters of Tony Browne, a west Belfast resident murdered by his girlfriend in 2022. Bobbi-Leigh and Shannon McIlwaine stated that there “isn’t enough support services for men” who are enduring domestic abuse relationships. Wiktoria Maksymowicz fatally stabbed Mr Browne, 54, at his residence. Bobbi-Leigh revealed that her father had not disclosed the situation to any family members. “He told one of his closest friends but made his friend promise not to tell me and my sister because he didn’t want anyone to know,” she further explained. Bobbi-Leigh stated that her father’s death profoundly affected her. “There is not one day I’m not thinking about my dad and what he went through and thinking if it could have been prevented,” she commented. She added, “It’s extremely hard for a man to come forward and say that he is being abused. There is a chance he won’t be believed, he will be laughed at. Women coming out today to speak for men, that’s sending a powerful message. It shows we believe them and support them. There needs to be more support from Stormont.” The Men’s Alliance NI organized the march; the organization advocates for a men’s refuge in Northern Ireland and greater backing from Stormont. Stormont ministers issued a statement asserting that domestic and sexual abuse is not limited by boundaries of gender, age, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. They emphasized their dedication to fostering a Northern Irish society free from tolerance of domestic and sexual abuse, ensuring victims obtain necessary assistance and perpetrators are held accountable. Additionally, the Department of Health confirmed its provision of funding for a 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, a confidential, freephone service accessible to anyone affected by domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland. Shannon believes a refuge specifically for men is necessary. “If my dad had have been able to go somewhere it may have given him the courage to leave,” she commented. She added, “It’s important that people come out today and show their support because domestic abuse isn’t a gendered issue and it needs to stop being stigmatised as a gendered issue.” Carey Baxter of Men’s Alliance characterized domestic violence as a societal concern. “Today is a women’s only march and women are doing this on behalf of men. We speak to men who are living in their cars or sofa surfing because they have nowhere to go.” Mr Baxter highlighted a significant deficiency in funding and services available to men. He stated, “It’s not about taking services away from women, it’s about finding something extra for the men because those services are needed and we hear it every single day of the week in our support groups, but there is nothing there for them.”