Michael Creed
Question:20 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the report completed by his Department in October 2000 in relation to abuse of men in domestic situations. [25516/01]
Written Answers. - Domestic Violence.
I jointly commissioned a research study together with the North-Eastern Health Board to look at the extent of domestic violence perpetrated against men. The researchers remit was to identify in so far as it is possible the incidence of domestic violence against men and to identify the most appropriate responses to such incidents from the statutory service providers. Independent research consultants were engaged to carry out this work at a cost of £40,000 or 50,789.52 and the report was presented in late 2000. The methodology employed was to examine major studies on domestic violence which were carried out across English speaking developed countries, such as the US, the UK, Canada and New Zealand, and to apply the findings of these studies to the Irish situation. It should be pointed out that the study did not attempt to embark on study of the prevalence of domestic violence in Ireland due to resourcing and time considerations.
The findings of the study are based on self-reports of victimisation. The authors hold that while there is under-reporting in the case of perpetration and over-reporting of victimisation, it is the only effective way of ascertaining the true prevalence of domestic violence. The researchers believe that Irish prevalence rates should not be any different to the countries researched.
I have recently received the report of the research study and my Department is currently concluding consultations with relevant State agencies aimed at identifying the implications for service provision raised by the report's findings. I propose to publish the report shortly when these consultations are complete.