A chara, - As someone who has supported the aims of Amnesty International over 25 years, I was saddened by John Waters's column of July 4th. Although I often disagree with the Mr Waters, his analysis of the domestic violence issue rings true for me in my work among vulnerable fathers here in Donegal.
Many claim, in the safety of the support group, that they were victims of domestic abuse from their wives/partners. All claim that on making complaints to the gardaí, their allegations were dismissed or, worse, they were scoffed at for not "being able to sort her out".
Had they in fact "sorted her out", no doubt An Garda Síochána would know exactly what to do with these abusive males.
One would think that this was a rich furrow for Amnesty to plough. It involves abuse, State collusion and official denial. Perhaps Amnesty is interested in men who suffer violence only if the perpetrator of that violence is also male?
Amnesty's recent report, by ignoring research on the subject produced for the Irish Government, means that the feminist world view is untainted by truth. The appalling vista of men abused by their wives or partners can be tidily swept under the official carpet, with the help of an organisation I used to respect. - Is mise,
PHIL MAC GIOLLA BHÁIN, Gortahork, Co Donegal.