Vol. 499 No. 5
57 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the incidents of domestic violence against men; if he has met with an organisation (details supplied) which has carried out research on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3070/99]
I have not met the organisation referred to by the Deputy. The issue of men as victims of domestic violence seems to be an emerging, though as yet unqualified, phenomenon which may warrant further examination or research.
The Department of Health and Children, not my Department, funds organisations providing services for victims of domestic violence. Needless to say the Garda and the criminal justice system respond to victims of crime equally regardless of their sex and any act of violence, whether it is perpetrated by a man or a woman, will be dealt with in accordance with the law within the existing system.
