Zero progress on male safe accommodation in Assembly despite repeated calls
Zero progress has been made on the critical issue of male safe accommodation in the North despite it being raised continually over the past 20 years in the Assembly, Michael Lynch, co-ordinator of Derry-based Men’s Action Network (MAN) has said.
Established over 30 years ago, MAN is a registered charity dedicated to supporting men’s health, mental well-being and personal development. It offers tailored support, crisis intervention, educational workshops, and community-based programmes across the North.
Following what he described as a “positive and forward looking” meeting with Minister of Justice Naomi Long, Mr Lynch welcomed the re-opening of “vital dialogue around dedicated support services for men and male victims of domestic abuse”.
During the meeting, charity leaders presented a “practical, evidence-led vision to address longstanding service gaps”.
“MAN highlighted to the Minister that for nearly two decades, following persistent campaign pressure from ourselves, the critical need for male safe accommodation has been raised on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly, but there has been zero progress,” said Mr Lynch.
“The issue has been brought to the Assembly floor across successive mandates by political figures on four occasions in 16 years,” he added.
“In 2010, Alban Maginness MLA raised direct questions regarding Executive plans and equality considerations for establishing a male refuge. In 2015, Pat Ramsey MLA highlighted the urgent gap in overnight refuge provision for male victims in the Foyle area while acknowledging MAN's local efforts.
“The ongoing lack of dedicated male refuge provision was raised again by MLAS and scrutiny committees during the passage of domestic abuse legislation in 2020. Most recently, in 2024, Mark H Durkan MLA specifically cited MAN's groundwork toward establishing a male refuge and raised concern over plans being put on hold.
“With Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) data showing that 32% of recorded domestic abuse crime victims in 2025/26 were male - representing over 5,800 individuals - the charity emphasised that after 20 years of political discussion, Northern Ireland now needs decisive action on the subject,” said Mr Lynch, who added he was “greatly encouraged by the spirit” of the meeting with Minister Long, “and her willingness to engage on these critical issues.
“For over 30 years, our charity has worked on the frontline of community wellbeing, mental health, and early intervention,” said Mr Lynch. “The door is very much open for continuous collaboration with the Department of Justice, statutory partners, and our local community. However, after almost two decades of this issue sporadically being debated in the Assembly following pressure from MAN, we have moved past the point of discussion, we now need action,” he added.
“What we need today is a clear, actionable timetable for change. By focusing on practical first steps - such as our fact-finding visit to proven male refuge models outside NI, as one doesn't exist here, and evaluating existing premises locally - we can create a safe, cost-effective, and fully evaluated pilot to begin changing lives for male victims.
“Investing in early support and safe accommodation doesn't just save lives; it lightens the burden on our justice, healthcare, and housing systems.
“We emphasised that expanding services for male victims is about true equality of access and complementary care, ensuring that every individual experiencing crisis has somewhere safe to turn, regardless of gender.
“Men's Action Network looks forward to working closely with, what they would hope would be designated departmental officials to map out the next operational milestones and build a safer, more supportive landscape for victims, families, and communities across Northern Ireland,” said Mr Lynch.
Commenting on her meeting with MAN, Minister Long said: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender or background, and it is important that victims are able to access appropriate support when they need it.
“No victim should be left to navigate this alone. I recognise the particular challenges that male victims can face, including barriers to seeking help and the availability of suitable accommodation,” she added.
"The Department of Justice has an important role to play in tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims through the justice system and I am pleased that under the cross-Departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy we have been able to strengthen funding for support workers for male victims of domestic abuse.
"The issues raised by Men's Action Network include healthcare, housing and refuge accommodation.
“My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues across government and with our statutory, voluntary and community sector partners, to ensure that the needs and experiences of all victims are understood and reflected in how we respond to domestic abuse."