Master My Balance

In the latest episode of Master My Balance, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea from Men's Aid, who shared invaluable insights into the often-overlooked issue of financial abuse experienced by men. With over 16 years of experience in the field, Andrea highlighted the unique challenges faced by male victims and the crucial support Men's Aid provides.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

🔑 Financial Control as a Form of Abuse:
Men often experience financial abuse through restricted access to their own earnings, with abusers controlling bank accounts, taking loans in their names, or demanding additional jobs. This form of coercive control severely limitstheir freedom and options.

🔑 The Importance of Support and Resources:
Men's Aid offers a lifeline through their national helpline, counselling services, and legal guidance. They empower men to explore their options without taking control away from them, providing a safe space to discuss their experiences and plan their next steps.

🔑 Breaking the Silence:
Many men do not recognise financial abuse or feel societal pressure to remain silent. It’s crucial to raise awareness and encourage men to reach out for support. The first step is often the hardest, but organisations like Men's Aid are there to help.

During the conversation with Andrea, I mentioned an article I had read which listeners may be interested in, you'll find the link the Ben Hine's article below.

https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/13077/

Link for Men's Aid - https://www.mensaid.ie/

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse,remember that support is available. Reach out to Men's Aid or similar organisations to start the journey towards reclaiming control and safety.

In this episode, I review what we've covered so far in season one of the Master My Balance podcast and discuss what interviews we have in the upcoming episodes.

Our expert guest shares invaluable insights on the importance of communication with educational institutions, the various funding options like the Student Assistance Fund, HEAR, and DARE schemes, and the critical role of access offices in providing tailored support. We discuss the unique experiences of both full-time and part-time students, the impact of financial control at home, and the necessity of planning ahead to ensure a smooth transition into higher education.

Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone interested in understanding the educational landscape, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement to help you or your loved ones thrive in college. Tune in to learn how to navigate these challenges and make the most of the resources available!

In the first of a two part interview, I talk with Ruth Killeen, a student budget advisor. Ruth shares invaluable insights on the financial challenges students face today. From understanding the complexities of the SUSI grant system to recognizing the impact of financial abuse, Ruth emphasizes the importance of financial literacy for students.

I've included some important links below for various policies and information which was raised in this interview.

• SUSI Grant: https://www.susi.ie/
• HEAR & DARE Scheme information can be found at the following link: https://accesscollege.ie/
• Information on financial supports for students: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third-level-education/fees-and-supports-for-third-level-education/financial-supports-for-students/

In Part 2 of my interview with Louise O'Sullivan, we examine the impact separation and divorce has on your tax and the options you have. We chat through the single parent child carer tax credits and the eligibility requirements to obtaining this credit.

Louise O'Sullivan is a Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant and University Lecturer.

Louise has written a few articles to help with managing your taxes, the links to these fantastic articles are below:

⁠https://www.rte.ie/author/1407430-louise-osullivan/⁠

In the link below you'll find another great article by Louise "Building Wealth, Not Worry" in one of the recent Public Affairs Ireland publications.

⁠https://pai.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PAI-Review-Oct-2024-Issue-Ten-3.pdf⁠

Louise has also provided a link to Revenues information on Tax rates, bands and reliefs;

⁠https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/tax-relief-charts/index.aspx⁠

If you want to learn more about your tax and what credits you may be entitled too, then tune in to my chat with Louise. Louise O'Sullivan is a Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant and University Lecturer.

This is Part 1 of a two part interview with Louise who walks us through the various tax credits and how to avail of them.

Louise has written a few articles to help with managing your taxes, the links to these fantastic articles are below:

https://www.rte.ie/author/1407430-louise-osullivan/

In the link below you'll find another great article by Louise "Building Wealth, Not Worry" in one of the recent Public Affairs Ireland publications.

https://pai.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PAI-Review-Oct-2024-Issue-Ten-3.pdf

Louise has also provided a link to Revenues information on Tax rates, bands and reliefs;

https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/tax-relief-charts/index.aspx

In our final episode with Caoimhe, we discuss;

• the boundaries within which the courts can work,
• the difficulties with child maintenance in Ireland,
• the concept of a 'no fault divorce' in Ireland,
• how society views those experiencing marital difficulties or coercive control.

This is part 2 of a three part conversation with CaoimheKiernan on the Irish legal system and family law in Ireland.

Family law is a complex and evolving field that reflects the changing morals and values of society. In this podcast episode, Caoimhe Kiernan, a Law Lecturer from TU Dublin, shared valuable insights into family law, gender equality, and the importance of access to legal resources. This is Part 1 to a number of episodes with Caoimhe.Caoimhe has very kindly provided an outline of support services and areas to seek assistance if you are experiencing any of the issues we discussed in our podcast interview. You'll find all of this information outlined below.

Support services:

• If you are concerned about domestic violence or abuse in your home, you should contact your local Garda station. If you feel in immediate danger, call 112 or 999.
• Women's Aid: Women’s Aid provide free and confidential support to women experiencing domestic violence, family and friends, and professionals supporting victims of abuse. Supports available include:
• National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Telephone Interpretation Service on 1800 341 900 available 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week
• An online chat service available 7 nights a week, 7pm – 10pm at womensaid.ie. Also Monday to Friday, 10am – 1pm and Saturday, 12pm – 3pm and Sunday, 11am – 1pm.
• Text service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing women available 7 days a week on 087 959 7980
• A drop-in service is available in Dolphin House Family Law Court in Dublin, Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm - 4.30pm.
• Rape Crisis Centres: The National Sexual Violence Helpline (also known as the National Rape Crisis Helpline) offers a free, confidential listening and support service for people who have been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Advice and referral to other services will also be provided. Support is available in more than 240 languages through the helpline interpreting service.
• National Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 778 888, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Helpline interpreting service: 1800 778 888, available Monday – Friday, 8am – 6.30pm
• Text service for people who are deaf and hard of hearing: 086 823 8443, available Monday – Friday, 8am – 6.30pm
• Online webchat on the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre website, available Monday to Friday, 10am – 5pm, and also from midnight to 3am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Safe Ireland: Safe Ireland has up-to-date information on the location of local domestic violence support services and refuges in Ireland and their contact details.
• Website: https://www.safeireland.ie/
• Men's Aid: Men’s Aid Ireland (formerly known as Amen) provides a confidential helpline, a support service and information for men and their families experiencing domestic violence.
• Confidential national support line on (01) 554 3811, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
• Email for confidential support at [email protected]
• CARI (Children At Risk in Ireland): CARI has a helpline offering specialised support to anyone affected by child sexual abuse. CARI supports parents, adult survivors, professionals, and the general public.
• Call 1890 924 567, Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Stillhere.ie: The Government has an ongoing public awareness campaign on domestic abuse with information and advice on the website stillhere.ie. It has details of support services for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or in fear of domestic abuse in their home.

Where to get information: 

• Citizen's Information website: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/birth-family-relationships/

Where to get legal assistance:

• Private solicitors in your area
• Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC): https://www.flac.ie/
• Legal Aid Board: https://www.legalaidboard.ie/en/