Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It pinpointed Galway and the midlands. The midlands is a vast area and I suggest Athlone should be chosen. I ask the Minister of State to revert to me on the matter.

Senator Norris spoke about physical abuse involving being struck by golf clubs, which indicates a particular social stratum in society, thrown against a wall, being hit by a hammer, burnt with an iron — perhaps that was against a man — and shot at. Such events are occurring in homes which were set up as havens against the world by people who were, I presume, together and in love but which have since become places of violence. It is sad and awful that this has been the outcome of a course on which people set out with high hopes.

There is an issue of power at stake here, namely, the power men wish to have over women or, in some instances, that which women want to have over men. I have a difficulty in dealing with the AMEN submission. I believe what is contained in the survey carried out by the National Crime Council. When, however, one considers matters, men are usually bigger, stronger and better able to defend themselves than women. I cannot equate this with people with whom I am familiar who are in situations of this nature and who are finding it difficult to cope.

I suggest that much greater effort be invested in finding and assisting men who are being abused by women. Perhaps men do not report violence against them by women because they feel people would not believe them. Certain men may be of the opinion that their macho image would be demeaned and destroyed if it emerged that they were the subject of violence perpetrated by a member of what they consider to be the lesser sex. I do not know if this is the case, but certainly particular men do not report such violence whereas women do report it. In my view, women who report violence against them are great.

I return to what I said earlier about excellent telephone answering service that is available. Those who offer this service are seeking additional money to fund it. This service offers a blanket of comfort to callers and makes them believe that they can remain anonymous while reporting violence against them until matters are referred to the Garda or other agencies.

I have not yet referred to children. When children witness violence in their homes, they will, when they grow up, perpetuate matters by harbouring feelings of wanting to inflict hurt or visit abuse of one kind or another on their partners.

I welcome this debate and I hope that concerns in respect of this matter will be reflected in an enhanced budget allocation. I also hope that further work will be carried out on the issue of violence against men. I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House and I look forward to seeing what emerges in the budget.