October 28, 2005

Abused men at risk of suicide, warns group

IRELAND
Online.ie

A large number of men who were sexually abused in the past are at risk from suicide, a support group said today.

One in Four said the percentage of men contacting its service for help was one of the highest in the world, with men accounting for 61% of all the individuals engaged in psychotherapy.

"We see the impact of sexual violence can be self harm or actual suicide attempts," said director Colm O'Gorman.

"Particularly when you look at the high level of male suicide, it's terribly important we encourage men, young and old, to come forward and seek support."

Since the launch of the Ferns report into the handling of allegations of clerical sexual abuse, the number of calls to One in Four has increased by 70% and the number of visits to its website has increased by as much as 400%.

Posted by kshaw at October 28, 2005 08:49 PM