LETTERS

THERE has been considerable publicity about the assaults on two EastEnders stars by their female partners.

Much of the coverage has been of the tabloid variety in that it has tended to make a joke of the victims because they play the roles of 'tough guys' in the TV series.

This type of coverage feeds into the stereoptypical attitude that male victims of domestic abuse are a joke while female victims are a tragedy.

However, the extensive coverage given to this story may be of benefit to male victims in the long term as it may encourage more of them to speak out.

There has always been a taboo preventing male victims from speaking out and seeking help. This is borne out by recent research carried out by the National Crime Council which found that while one in three female victims of domestic violence report to gardaí, only one in 20 male victims does so.

Following the recent publicity, the Amen helpline has received numerous calls from men who mentioned the coverage, some saying it encouraged them to lift the phone and seek help in dealing with their own problems.

©Irish Examiner (2005)