1,621 men reported physical abuse by female partners last year, up 68%.

One in four men who called a domestic abuse support service last year said they had suffered physical abuse.

Three-quarters of the men who contacted Amen reported suffering a combination of verbal, psychological or financial abuse.

There were 1,621 reports of physical abuse made by men last year, compared with 962 in 2011 — a 68% increase.

There were six men (1%) who reported experiencing sexual abuse.

Some of the men calling the charity, based in Navan, Co Meath, said they had to wear make-up in an attempt to cover up the bruises.

A number claimed that their limbs were broken as a result of their abusive partner trapping their arms in a door.

A total of 5,225 overall contacts were made by men to Amen last year — a 21% increase on 2011, when there were 4,303.

The contacts include helpline calls, one-to-one meetings, court accompaniments, emails, text messages and letters.

Since 2009, there has been a 45% increase in the number of contacts made by men, mostly aged between 40 and 50, with the service.

The support service receives “one or two” calls for help from partners in gay relationships but such calls are not categorised because the number is so small.

It has found that men, generally, endure abuse over a long period before seeking help because they feel they will not be taken seriously.

One man spoke about an attempt his violent wife made to set the carpet outside his bedroom alight in an attempt to lure him from his locked bedroom.

It has been found that one in 20 men who are victims of domestic abuse report the abuse to the gardaí, whereas one in five women report the abuse.

Amen has found more men prefer to pick up the phone to get help — it received 4,496 last year, compared to 3,655 in 2011 — a 23% increase.

There were 1,247 new individuals who contacted the service in 2012.

There has also been a 20% increase in the number of non-Irish men contacting the service — 357 last year from 299 in 2011.

Amen said the men contacting the service vary in age and social background because there is no “standard” victim of domestic abuse.

In addition to the support services, Amen works to increase public awareness of the plight of men who experience domestic abuse.

Amen Helpline: 046 9023718. [e-mail].