On Thursday, September 5, the reachOut project, initiated by OSS Cork and Gay Project and funded by Tusla, launched its report titled Addressing Intimate Partner Abuse Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Cork. The study sheds light on the alarming prevalence of violence and control experienced by gay and bisexual men in intimate relationships, with the aim of informing the development of vital services for men experiencing this kind of abuse.

A combination of focus groups, community surveys, and interviews informed the report, gathering perspectives from both the gay community and frontline service providers across various sectors, including social work, healthcare, sexual assault, and law enforcement.

The research revealed concerning statistics: over half of those surveyed reported having experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from a partner or ex-partner at some point in their lives. Additionally, one in three had been subjected to abusive behaviours related to HIV, transphobia, or health status, while a third reported financial abuse.

International studies indicate that gay and bisexual men face similar, if not higher, risks of intimate partner abuse compared to heterosexual women. Despite this, the report highlights a striking lack of awareness within the Irish queer community and a significant reluctance among victims to seek help from mainstream services. Furthermore, frontline service workers voiced an urgent need for specialised training to better recognise signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and refer victims to relevant services.

 

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Dr Angela O’Connell, the report’s lead author, emphasised that the findings represent more than just data—they are a call to action. Dr O’Connell further noted the historical stigma faced by the gay community, which complicates efforts to seek help.

“The gay population has, historically, been criminalised and stigmatised and having to deal with prejudice on a daily basis and fear of being met with discrimination when they go to services,” she told The Echo

Based on the report findings, the reachOut project has developed a referral system between OSS Cork and Gay Project to support victims of intimate partner violence within Cork’s gay community. An additional outcome is the development of a toolkit designed to help service providers recognise, respond to, and refer victims of intimate partner abuse among gay and bisexual men.

As Phase II of the project unfolds, links between OSS Cork, Gay Project, and other organisations will be strengthened, leading to further public awareness campaigns, training, and resources for service providers. Furthermore, OSS Cork has joined the newly established national LGBTI+ Intimate Partner Abuse network and the Social Inclusion Forum at Mercy University Hospital. The organisation is also contributing to the consultation process for the Second National LGBTI+ Strategy, exploring further opportunities to extend its reach and impact.

The reachOut project stands as a crucial initiative in addressing intimate partner abuse among gay and bisexual men, with the ultimate goal of fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all. You can read a summary of the report here.

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues discussed in this article, support is available at:

• OSSCork Helpline: 1800 497497 [email protected]
• Gay Project Cork: (021) 430 0430 [email protected]
• National LGBT Helpline: 1800 929 539 Available Monday – Thursday (6:30pm – 10pm), Friday (4pm-10pm), Saturday and Sunday (4pm-6pm)