Amen honoured at People of Year awards
The Navan-based confidential helpline and support services to male victims of domestic violence won top prize in the Community Group section at the Rehab - People of the Year awards ceremony at the weekend.
The prize was presented by Fair City actor, Maclean Burke to AMEN chairman, Aindrias Cullen, in the City West Hotel last Saturday night, at the ball hosted by Grainne Seoige and Aidan Power.
Accepting the award “on behalf of all the dedicated support staff of AMEN”, Mr Cullen paid tribute to the people who set up the organisation almost 20 years ago. “It’s been a long and sometimes bumpy road, with some significant milestones - as well as potholes - along the way.
“AMEN has had to overcome scepticism, incredulity and indifference. But we also have our supporters; both moral and financial; strong and committed advocates for what AMEN is attempting to achieve. We are now seeing some real recognition and tangible nationwide acceptance of the fact that men can be victims of domestic abuse too. But, more importantly, an increase in awareness that there is a dedicated service there to support these victims.
With this award, I hope that we have finally turned an important corner and that AMEN will go on to even greater heights of awareness, credibility and accessability.
The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success. We intend to do just that.
To everybody who has helped, we say –
You have our sincere gratitude for all your efforts on our behalf.
To all the male victims of domestic abuse out there, we say:
We hear you. And we’re here for you.'
Founded nearly 20 years ago, the charity supports many men who are victims of domestic abuse every year. In 2007, the structure of the organisation reformed and the service developed nationally, having received funding from the HSE.
The AMEN helpline received two phone calls a day in 2007, but demand is now so high they are ringing almost immediately every morning. Having campaigned for greater recognition and supports, AMEN is now a lifeline for men who experience domestic abuse. Their confidential helpline is the only service in Ireland dedicated to supporting the needs of these men. One-to-one support, group meetings, counselling and outreach clinics have all exploded in recent years.
Despite funding cuts during the austerity years, AMEN has also grown substantially and raised awareness of the devastating impacts domestic violence can have on families. The charity has supported and stood up for the thousands of men who took the brave step in seeking support.
Other winners included international soccer legend Robbie Keane for his commitment to international football, Olympic rowers Paul and Gary O’Donovan on their Rio success, Alan Herdman for his heroic efforts in saving eight children from the sea, and Connacht Rugby’s John Muldoon and Pat Lam for winning Connacht’s first silverware earlier this year.
Br Kevin Crowley was honoured for his work with the homeless, and Mark and Róisín Molloy received an award for their campaign to improve maternity units. Olympic sailor Annalise Murphy also received a Sports Person of the Year Award, while Milo McCarthy scooped Young Person of the Year for raising nearly €18,000 for Syrian refugees. The Paralympic medallists were also honoured, while Davitt Walsh received an award for his bravery in the Buncrana tragedy.