Men's Advisory Project

24/06/2026

22/06/2026

Statement from the Men's Advisory Project on the Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson Verdict

The conviction of Jeffrey and Eleanor Donaldson brings to a close a case that has attracted significant public attention and has been profoundly difficult for all involved.

Our first thoughts are with the survivors who came forward and gave evidence. We recognise the immense courage required to disclose experiences of s*xual abuse, particularly when those experiences relate to events many years in the past and involve a person of considerable public influence.

Through our work, we know that many survivors carry the impact of abuse for years or even decades before speaking about it. Fear, shame, self-doubt and concerns about not being believed remain powerful barriers to disclosure. We want all survivors to know that their voices matter and that support is available.

The Men's Advisory Project firmly believes in the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. These principles are fundamental to justice and must always be protected. Equally, when a jury reaches a verdict following due legal process, that verdict must be respected.

This case has also highlighted ongoing concerns about the experience of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system. For many survivors, the prospect of entering a courtroom remains daunting and potentially retraumatising. A justice system worthy of public confidence must protect the rights of the accused while ensuring that victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, compassion and respect. These goals are not in conflict; both are essential.

We believe there remains an urgent need to fully implement the recommendations of the Gillen Review. While progress has been made, further reform is needed to create a system that is less traumatic for survivors and better equipped to respond to the realities of s*xual abuse.

This case demonstrates that historic s*xual abuse can and should be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of how much time has passed. Sexual abuse affects women, men and children across every community, and we encourage anyone affected to seek support.

As an organisation supporting men and boys affected by trauma, abuse and violence, we remain committed to advocating for survivors, challenging abuse in all its forms, and promoting a justice system that is fair, compassionate and worthy of public trust.

21/06/2026

Today like everyday we are thinking of all men and boys and wishing them the best and better.
We are always here when you need us 💙

19/05/2026

We offer all our thanks to Connie Egan MLA for raising this and for her never ending focus on victims and survivors of domestic and s*xual abuse. We dearly hope that Minister Gordon Lyons MLA will focus on the work that we, Women's Aid and Nexus do across NI.
I do not always believe that the importance of what we do is seen or recognised adequately and would hope that Minister Lyons would continue to push for budgetary confirmation.

31/03/2026

We want to thank everyone who attended and spoke at our conference yesterday and of course thank the Department of Justice NI and Belfast PCSP for helping to fund it.
We'd like to again thank the men and their families who trust and have trusted us to support them every day.
We hope that we explained what you have gone through well enough to those in attendance to have them change behaviours, shift policies and make changes for other male victims.
Thanks again

30/03/2026

We are so honoured by the support and help we have been offered for our conference.
For our treasured delivery partners to the thoughtful, switched on professionals who attended today and offered their help.
With many thanks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💙

29/03/2026

“If you leave, I’ll kill myself.”

Threats of su***de from abuser are not a rare occurrence.
They are used deliberately. They are used to:

- stop someone from leaving
- force them do ###x
- make them feel responsible for the abuser's life
- create fear, guilt, and emotional walls to control them

That sentence is all about control and power.
It's really effective.
So many men we help are staying because of that one sentence.

Please tell someone. Speak to the GP. Call an ambulance. Get help for you and, if need be, your children. Always speak to us. We can help you safely leave.
Housing Executive Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline Police Service of Northern Ireland

27/03/2026

Our conference on Monday - we're happy to be able to host the PSNI domestic abuse lead Chief Superintendent Kerry Brennan.

25/03/2026

With many thanks to Derry & Strabane PCSP for sharing this information and the The Executive Office for their work in producing them

24/03/2026

It is important that we work together to end domestic abuse.

Support and understanding should be provided to anyone who is a victim/survivor of abuse.

It is important we also recognise men and boys as victim survivors and know how to support them confidently.

RSVP to reserve your tickets to our conference.

QUB - School of Psychology QUB School of Law QUB Mind Matters QUB Law Society Ulster University Student Wellbeing Ulster Uni Students' Union Belfast Met SERC RapeCrisis Northern Ireland Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough