Male Advice Line from Men's Development Network: Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse

Managed by Men's Development Network, the national Male Advice Line (MAL) is a revolutionary initiative for male victims of domestic abuse – aimed at offering men across the nation a safe and confidential space to seek guidance, support, and empowerment

Since its launch in May 2019, the Freephone service has helped hundreds of men cope with abusive behaviour, including emotional and physical abuse, in their relationships. It also offers advice to family members or friends of people experiencing abuse.

As part of a Tusla-funded pilot initiative, the MAL has expanded its services and staff to deliver improved support and outcomes for men experiencing domestic abuse.

Client Support Workers based in the South-West, West, South-East & Dublin regions will respond to referrals from the MAL and other services. Their role is to provide practical on-the-ground assistance, building resilience and capacity among the men they engage with.

In a society that emphasises the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing, the MAL stands as a beacon of hope for men facing domestic abuse.

At the heart of this innovative service is the understanding that every man's journey is unique, and accessing the right resources can make a significant difference in their personal and emotional wellbeing. The MAL is a confidential and judgement-free space where men of all ages can reach out to an experienced trained team to discuss a wide range of topics and seek advice and reassurance.

But many men on the receiving end of domestic abuse in relationships remain reluctant or embarrassed to seek help. MAL supervisor Derek Smith says that “very often they opt to just accept their situation, rather than face the stigma of admission.”

“It was a game-changer for me to be able to tell someone, who did not judge me," said one service user.

“I had much more clarity in making decisions going forward, the client support worker provided me with tools to enhance my daily life," added another.

Key features of MAL include:

• Confidential Support: The Male Advice Line ensures complete confidentiality, offering men a safe environment to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment.
• Experienced Professionals: The dedicated team of professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing tailored advice and support.
• Personalised Guidance: They understand that every individual is unique. MAL offers personalised guidance, helping men explore options and make informed decisions.
• Easy Access: Seeking support has never been easier.

Connect with Male Advice Line through the Freephone service (1800 816 588), and through their website, mensnetwork.ie/mal – where you can also find more information about the services offered.