But for Robert Cullen, the reality was very different. “As the traumatic experiences mounted, I became more impulsive and reactive, which led me to hurt others,” the 34-year-old says. Cullen’s journey was assisted by courses offered by community education organisations such as the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP). These days, Robert Cullen facilitates workshops with Spéire Nua, a group working to help people start over after spending time in prison. He says the “profound impact of community education” inspired him to create his own project, which is “centred on masculinity and seeking to open men’s minds to the damaging effects of patriarchal gender norms”.

Source: The Irish Times March 26, 2026 18:01 UTC