Tributes to Amen group founder after resignation

Tributes were paid to Mary Cleary, the founder of Amen, at the recent publication of the group's annual report. Ms Cleary has resigned from the organisation and her devotion to the organisation was acknowledged by director David Ring. Navan-based Amen Support Services Ltd is a non-profit organisation, founded in December 1997, which provides support and a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. It is the only support service in Ireland specifically addressing the needs of men suffering silently and alone in abusive relationships. Mr Ring said: "It was with a note of sadness that the Amen committee accepted the resignation of Mary Cleary, the founder of Amen. Mary worked tirelessly and with unwavering enthusiasm for the organisation since its founding in 1997. Her dedication was instrumental in the development of Amen." The annual report indicates that thousands of people contact Amen to tell of the abuse they, a family member or friend, has suffered at the hands of their partner or wife. The common thread running through all of these stories is the perpetrator's desire to control. In late 2009, Amen was approached by the writers of 'Fair City' to aid in the development of their story between fictional husband and wife, Damien and Suzanne Halpin. To ensure an accurate portrayal of the violence, the writers were in continuous contact with the manager and support workers in the office. Declan Keaveney and a client of Amen spent time speaking with Maclean Burke ('Damien') and other cast and crew members of 'Fair City', to give them an insight into the effects that domestic abuse has on a man. They received a great reception from the cast and crew members. When the storyline went to air, Amen noticed an immediate increase in contacts to the service and an increased interest from other media sources, such as national and local radio stations as well as newspapers. In 2010, there were 4,683 contacts to the service, of which 4,084 were phone calls. In 2010, the number of unanswered calls increased from 1,274 to a total of 1,378. These calls were from people who called the helpline after 5pm in the evening and at weekends. As Amen does not have a 24-hour helpline, many calls go unanswered. Men contacting the Amen helpline reported physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse encountered at the hands of their female partners. Many men tell of the false allegations that have been made against them. As a result of both the violence and false allegations, many experience parental alienation. Some 93 per cent of callers to Amen in 2010 were Irish. Seven per cent were foreign nationals. Only five per cent of the callers to the helpline in 2010 were referred to Amen by a statutory agency. A total of 95 per cent of callers were referred from other sources, including media coverage, internet and word of mouth. Some 1,569 referrals were made in 2010. Of these, 51 per cent were to statutory agencies and 49 per cent to nonstatutory agencies. Clients were referred to agencies including the Gardai, GP, district and circuit court offices, solicitors, Legal Aid Board, Citizens' Information Centres and the Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC). From 3rd October to 16th October, Amen Support Services Ltd is running the third awareness campaign to highlight domestic abuse against men. The aim of the 'Domestic Abuse Hits Men Too' awareness campaign is to encourage men to come forward and let them know that Amen is there to help. Amen Support Services Ltd provides information and support for male victims of domestic abuse including a confidential helpline, information on legal options for victims, court accompaniment, one-to-one and group support meetings.