The research, published on International Men’s Day (19 November 2024) and officially launched in the Great Hall at Queen's, shines a light on the traumatic impact IPV can have on men.

Over 60% of victims interviewed by researchers said they suffered from mood disorders or emotional conditions, with over 70% saying they had considered suicide. Another key finding was the pressing need to provide support to victims who do come forward and efforts to tackle stigma surrounding this issue, with 50% of respondents telling researchers they had never disclosed the abuse they suffered.

Methodology

The study was commissioned by the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna and carried out by Principal Investigator Professor Chérie Armour and researchers Dr Eric Spikol and Dr Emily McGlinchey working in the School of Psychology, Stress Trauma & Related Conditions (STARC) Research Centre at Queen’s.

Research was conducted via an online survey and in-depth interviews with men in Northern Ireland who have experienced IPV. Over 100 men responded to the online survey while 10 individuals came forward for the face-to-face interviews.

Prof Armour said: “Men can and do experience intimate partner violence and it can have adverse outcomes such as mental ill health and suicidality. However, there is a critical lack of research into the prevalence and health impacts of IPV against men/boys which impacts on the availability of polices and evidence-based practices to support those in need. This current study examined male IPV experiences specifically in NI.

“We conducted an online survey and face to face interviews with male survivors of IPV and demonstrated that IPV and its impacts exist in NI and those in need are often not believed, stigmatised, and unsupported. No individual, regardless of their gender, should experience abuse, and we must do better to minimise risk and increase support where and when we can.”

CVOC NI Geraldine Hanna explained: “The findings in this report are deeply concerning. They reveal the traumatic impact of Intimate Partner Violence and abuse on male victims, and underscore the need for policies and processes that address the unique needs of men and boys and highlights potential gaps in service provision, particularly in rural areas.

“This research is a critical step towards informing future policy and service development. “It is my hope that the insights gained from this report will help inform government planning, drive meaningful change and ensure that support systems are inclusive, accessible, and effective for all victims, regardless of gender.”

Minister of Justice Naomi Long, who attended the launch, commented: “In recognition of the fact that anyone can be a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV), I was committed to ensuring that the new domestic abuse offences applied to all victims, irrespective of sex, gender or sexual orientation and that the awareness raising campaigns specifically recognised male victims.

“This research into male victims of IPV is a further critical part of the process of addressing societal stigma, which often leaves male survivors feeling isolated and unsupported. Traditional views of masculinity can make it difficult for men to report abuse, leaving them vulnerable to ongoing physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

“I hope that studies, such as this one, will contribute to better mental health services, crisis intervention strategies, and support networks for male victims. I look forward to using the findings and recommendations in this report to help male victims feel safer and more confident in the justice system.”

Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt, who also attended the launch, added: “The research being launched today is a crucial step in understanding the specific experiences of male victims of intimate partner violence. It provides us with the insights needed to tailor our services and support systems to better meet their needs. We must listen to their voices, understand their challenges, and work collaboratively to create an environment where they feel safe and supported.

“Partnership working is at the heart of our approach. The Department of Health is committed to collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including voluntary and community organisations, healthcare providers, and criminal justice agencies, to tackle domestic and sexual abuse.”

The report will be published in full on the Commissioner Designate website www.cvocni.org.

 

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Media inquiries to Una Bradley u.bradley@qub.ac.uk