Abuse can happen to anyone. Recognising the warning signs is the first step to breaking free from control and accessing the support you deserve, including services for fathers’ rights, family court guidance, and mental health or domestic abuse support.
The Warning Signs to Look Out For
Domestic abuse isn’t always easy to spot and doesn’t always leave physical marks. It can take many forms, including emotional, financial, sexual, digital, and physical abuse. At its core, abuse is about power and control, with one person using manipulation, threats, or violence to dominate another.
Abuse can happen to any man, regardless of age or background. While domestic abuse against men is often underreported, many fathers and men experience it every year. Recognising the warning signs and reaching out for support — whether for mental health, family court guidance, or fathers’ rights services — are vital first steps. HelpForMen.uk connects men to trusted organisations and resources so you don’t have to face it alone.
1. Emotional and Psychological Control
-
Constant criticism, name-calling, or humiliation.
-
Being blamed for everything that goes wrong.
-
Gaslighting making you doubt your memory, feelings, or sanity.
-
Threats of self-harm or harm to others to manipulate you.
-
Isolation from family, friends, or support networks.
2. Coercive and Controlling Behaviour
-
Monitoring your phone, messages, or whereabouts.
-
Limiting when you can go out, who you can see, or where you can work.
-
Making you feel like you have to ask permission for basic things.
-
Destroying or threatening to destroy your belongings or property.
3. Financial or Economic Abuse
-
Controlling access to money or bank accounts.
-
Forcing you to hand over wages or benefits.
-
Stopping you from working or studying.
-
Putting debts or bills in your name.
-
Making you justify every expense or purchase.
4. Physical Abuse
-
Hitting, pushing, shoving, or restraining.
-
Damaging your property or using weapons.
-
Blocking exits or trapping you in a room.
-
Using intimidation to make you comply.
5. Sexual Abuse
-
Pressuring or forcing sexual activity without consent.
-
Making threats around intimacy.
-
Using guilt, coercion, or manipulation to obtain sex.
6. Digital Abuse
-
Constantly messaging or tracking you.
-
Sharing or threatening to share private images.
-
Using spyware or apps to monitor what you do online.
If any of these experiences sound familiar, you may be facing domestic abuse. None of this is your fault, and you are not alone.
No man should have to endure abuse or control, and seeking help is never something to feel ashamed of. HelpForMen.uk connects men to a growing network of charities and organisations offering confidential guidance, housing support, mental health care, and services for fathers navigating family court, child support, or fathers’ rights issues.
This page is regularly updated with trusted resources to help you—or someone you know—take the first step toward safety, support, and recovery.
| Organisation | What They Do | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mankind Initiative | Specialist charity focusing on male victims. Provides a national helpline, emotional support, signposting, and training for professionals. | Helplines: 0808 800 1170 or 01823 334244 (Weekdays 10am–4pm) Email: admin@mankind.org.uk mankind.org.uk |
| Men’s Advice Line | Confidential helpline and webchat for men experiencing domestic abuse. Offers emotional support, practical advice, and safety planning. | Tel: 0808 801 0327 Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk mensadviceline.org.uk |
| Male Domestic Abuse Network (MDAN) | A network sharing best practice and resources for male victim support. Managed by Mankind Initiative. | Tel: 01823 334229 Email: mdan@mankind.org.uk mdan.org.uk |
| The Elm Foundation | Offers refuge, outreach, counselling, and support for men in abusive relationships. | Helpline: 08000 198 668 theelmfoundation.org.uk |
| GOV.UK – Domestic Abuse Help | Official government guidance listing national and regional support, including for men and families. | Helpline: 0808 2000 247 gov.uk/domestic-abuse-help |