Mary Cleary
Amen, Navan, Co Meath
Mary founded Amen in 1997 and since then she has worked tirelessly to provide a confidential helpline and comprehensive support services for male victims of domestic abuse. Being a nurse in the fracture clinic in Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, she came across many men who were victims of domestic abuse and had nowhere to turn. Amen has grown from its humble beginnings of a phone on the wall in the kitchen in her own home, to achieving recognition and funding from the HSE. Amen campaigns for greater recognition and support services for male domestic abuse victims from political and statutory bodies, as well as campaigning for the inclusion of men’s groups in the formulation of relevant social policy and legislation. Mary serves as chairperson of the committee and still travels to schools, colleges and the Garda training college to give presentations and raise awareness of the issues affecting male victims of domestic abuse and their children. Amen now have services which include a helpline, one-to-one meetings, court accompaniment services, counselling and emotional support group meetings. Due to Mary’s hard work and dedication, Amen is growing from strength to strength and giving many men the help and support they need.
“To be shortlisted for this award is an honour both to me and those who have worked with Amen in the past and those who currently work with us. It is also an acknowledgment of the issues facing the many men and their families that Amen has assisted over the years. Volunteering needs to be promoted and recognised as does the issue of male victims of domestic abuse. The mainstreaming of this issue is testimony to the work of volunteers in Amen over many years. Society needs volunteers. This award recognises the work while also acknowledging issues that society is unaware of or is blind to.” – Mary
Photograph by Maureen McDonnell
Mary,
Congrats on the nomination.
This lady is amazing. She helped my Dad and if not for her, I don’t think my Dad would be here today. Amen do not get enough recognition. They do fantastic work and never give up despite all the opposition they face
Thanks to Mary, I have been able to get my life back on track and now am happy and look forward to the rest of life. I never would have gotten through my rough relationship without Mary and Amen.
I hope she gets the recognition she deserves and wins this award. This subject is a taboo subject within society. Nobody speaks on our behalf only Mary. She really needs to be rewarded.
John
Mary saved me from an extremely abusive relationship. My wife abused me physically for many years and I never knew there was help available until recently. Mary and her team helped me through one to one support and I also availed of their counselling and group support. They are a truly amazing service who do not get the respect they deserve.
Where would the abused men of Ireland be without Mary and Amen. No money could ever reward them for their timeless effort and dedication.
Good luck Mary, you deserve this award
Mary,
You have been a pillar of strength to me over the past number of years. When I was going through the hardest and most trying time of my life, I always knew that I could turn to you for constant support and guidance. You truly are an inspiration. You’re pioneering work for male victims of domestic should be appreciated and fully acknowledged by all. You have helped countless men in such difficult times. You perform you “duties” with the most sincerity and compassion of any one I have ever come across.
I feel I would have been lost without you and Amen over the past few years. Words cannot fully express my gratitude.
Thank you!
Mary helped me and my children emotionally for years. She never tired of listening to me moan and cry. I can’t believe she has not been recognised for her work prior to now. She is amazing. Amen are amazing. They need more funding and recognition through initiatives like this to raise their profile.
Good luck Mary, if justice is done, you will win hands down.
Mary and Amen are superb. I hope MAry wins this award and gets media attention for Amen and gets a platform to highlight the plight of abused men. Nobody campaigns for us only Mary and Amen. Their service is top class, their staff are so empathetic and professional. I wish they had offices in every county in the country. Keep up the good work.
Jim G
Mary, you deserve to win. You never lost your will to fight for us men. Where would the abused men of the country be without you and Amen.
Best of luck
Mary, Delighted to see you are nominated for this. Best of luck, you should win no problem. The whole country knows what an amazing trooper you are and Amen is a valuable service to the men and concerned family members throughtout the country.
Good luck.
WEll done Mary and Amen. Delighted to see you nominated for the award. Amen would not exist without you and without Amen I would not have received the support I need as a victim of domestic abuse.
Best wishes to all at Amen
Congratulations on the nomination. Amen deserve the award.