Cork sees increase in referrals to group that aims to rehabilitate violent men

Cork has seen the highest increase of referrals in the South-West region for calls to Move Ireland (Men Overcoming Violent Emotion), a nationwide organisation aimed at rehabilitating men who are violent in their intimate or interpersonal relationships.

Move Ireland runs programmes for men throughout the South-West region, encouraging them to take responsibility for their behaviour and actions.

Cork saw a 126% increase from 2022 to 2023, compared to the South-West region in general, which had an overall 49% increase in referrals.

Dr Michelle Walsh, CEO of Move Ireland said: “Men are looking for change. Our referral rate increased by 34% in 2023 and in 2024 we have seen a 27% rise, 46% of referrals being self-referrals.

“It’s encouraging to see that more people are seeking help to change abusive behaviours.

“Men’s willingness to seek support reflects a growing awareness and a positive shift in addressing the roots of domestic violence.”

She said that the Choices programme focuses on behavioural change, taking accountability, and understanding how abusive behaviour impacts others, and is aimed at rebuilding individuals’ understanding of healthy relationships, which is key to breaking cycles of abuse.

“Domestic violence encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviours that goes beyond physical harm, it involves various forms of manipulation, control, and intimidation, including sexual abuse and coercive control, we work with all of it,” Dr Walsh said.

“It can be hugely inter-generational. We have worked with three generations of women who have been abused, and sadly some abusers are mirroring the abuse they saw in childhood.

“It’s a cycle that we are working to break.”

The group also work with the partners and ex-partners of the men on the programme.

The Choices programme is a 23-week rolling programme which runs for two hours once a week. The organisation is currently running 12 group programmes nationwide, four of which are online.