ManKind Initiative — helpline for male victims of domestic abuse
The ManKind Initiative is a national charity providing a confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse from a current or former wife, partner (including a same-sex partner) or husband, across the UK. It offers information, support and signposting to men, and to the friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and employers who contact them on a man's behalf.
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-01
What the ManKind Initiative is
The ManKind Initiative is a national charity (registered in 2001) focused specifically on male victims of domestic abuse — a group it describes as often overlooked. Its helpline is staffed by trained people who provide information and support on all aspects of domestic abuse and signpost callers to refuges, local authorities and other services where appropriate. It also runs awareness campaigns and training for professionals.
The helpline covers all forms of abuse the charity says men experience, "from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults."
What help it offers
- Confidential national helpline for male victims of domestic abuse across the UK, and for people contacting on their behalf: - Freephone 0808 800 1170 (will not show on bills) - 01823 334 244 (for those with inclusive minutes) - Open weekdays 10am–4pm, excluding bank holidays — check the website before calling, as hours can change.
- Information and signposting — refuges and accommodation for men, local authority services, counselling and other support.
- Support for third parties — friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers can call for guidance on how to help a man they are worried about.
- Training and campaigns for professionals and the public on recognising male victims.
Note: the charity states this support is not available via email — the helpline phone routes are the way to reach it.
Contact details
- Website: https://mankind.org.uk
- Contact page: https://mankind.org.uk/contact-us
- Helpline (weekdays 10am–4pm, excl. bank holidays): 0808 800 1170 (freephone) / 01823 334 244
- Office enquiries: 01823 334229 (Mon–Thu), admin@mankind.org.uk
How a self-representing father or male parent can use the ManKind Initiative
1. Call before you file, if you can. If abuse is part of why you are applying for child arrangements or a non-molestation order, the helpline can help you understand what support exists and how to describe what is happening. 2. Safety first, then court. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. The helpline complements — it does not replace — police protection, and can signpost to services such as men's refuges. 3. Use it to evidence engagement. Being able to tell the court you contacted a specialist service, and what safety steps you took, is relevant to issues like PD12J practice directions and special measures applications. 4. Read for family court context. The website's information on male victims is useful for preparing position statements where allegations of abuse run in both directions.
The ManKind Initiative does not provide legal advice or court representation. For legal help use Rights of Women (for those eligible), Coram Children's Legal Centre, or a solicitor in this directory.
Useful links
- ManKind Initiative homepage: https://mankind.org.uk
- Helpline details: https://mankind.org.uk/contact-us
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws, procedures and contact details change — verify anything important against the official sources linked above before relying on it. Your Family Case is an independent directory listing; we take no referral fees and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or receiving payment from any organisation listed.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.