Asking for support may feel difficult. You may be unsure that you are experiencing domestic abuse, what to say or whether anyone will believe you.
Men’s Advice Line Advisors are trained to listen without judgement and to help you consider your options. There is no pressure on you to make a decision, and the conversation is led by you.
See what happens when you call
Watch our short video to learn how the Men’s Advice Line Advisor will support you.
It’s okay to talk
Society’s expectations of men often include pressure to appear strong, tough and manage challenges alone. This may contribute to you feeling embarrassed, that you are not ‘man enough’ or that you will not be believed.
If you’re in a same-sex relationship, you may also be concerned about disclosing your sexuality or whether services will understand your experience.
Whatever your circumstances, you have the right to be respected and treated fairly. Domestic abuse is never your fault!
You do not have to be certain it is abuse
Feeling afraid, controlled, intimidated, or threatened can be signs of domestic abuse, even when there has been no physical violence.
You don’t have to be sure of your experience before contacting us. If something doesn’t feel right, contact Men’s Advice Line and talk it over.
When you contact Men’s Advice Line
You will be heard
Our Advisors are trained to listen and will treat you with courtesy and respect.
You lead the way
Our Advisors will support the conversation, but this is driven by you, at your pace.
What happens when I call?
When you call Men’s Advice Line, you will first hear a recorded message explaining that the service is confidential with details on the limits to this, why we cannot speak whilst you are driving, and that we offer up to 30 minutes.
If our Advisors are already supporting other callers, you will be placed in a queue. You can either stay in the queue until an Advisor becomes available, call back or use our webchat during its opening hours.
You don’t need to prepare what to say, you can begin wherever feels right for you. The Advisor will listen without judgement and may ask questions to understand what is happening, check that you and your children are safe, and clarify the kind of support you are in need of.
The Advisor may ask:
- What has led to your call today, what’s happening?
- Whether you and your children are currently safe?
- Have there been recent incidents or are things changing?
- Are other services involved and have you reported to the police, your GP or someone else?
- What type of advice and support do you need?
- What would you like to happen next?
Some of the questions may feel personal, but you don’t have to share anything you are not comfortable with. You don’t need to prove you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Your call is confidential and we will not ask for personal information that reveals your identity. The only time this may change is if there are safeguarding concerns, either an immediate threat to life, or concerns for a child or vulnerable adult. The Advisor will discuss this with you if they are concerned.
At the end of the call, the Advisor will ask some optional monitoring questions, such as your age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic group, local authority and how you heard about the service. This information helps us understand who uses Men’s Advice Line and any gaps in the people we serve. The information is stored on our secure system, reported to our funders and used for data analysis. You can choose to opt out.
The Advisor will support you to:
- Talk through what has been happening
- Recognise domestic abusive behaviours
- Consider your immediate safety
- Help you to understand your rights and options
- Find local domestic abuse support services
- Help you to find a refuge/safe house or emergency housing
- Signpost to free services offering specialist advice.
Take your time to consider the information and options provided. You don’t have to take immediate action unless you feel ready to do so. We’re confident you will have the advice and contact details for onward support you need after contacting the helpline, but if something changes or you need further support, you’re welcome to call the Men’s Advice Line again.
How you can contact the Men’s Advice Line
Calling us
Call Men’s Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm.
We offer up to 30 minutes per caller, although this is guidance and extra time can be offered for individual needs such as language support, safeguarding etc. If our Advisors are supporting other callers at the time of your contact, you will be placed in a queue until an Advisor becomes available.
Using webchat
Our webchat is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am and we offer up to 30 minutes.
If our Advisors are busy with other chatters, you will be placed in a queue until an Advisor becomes available.
Once connected, please try to respond promptly so the Advisor knows you are still there and can continue supporting you.
Still have questions?
Find answers to common questions about confidentiality, eligibility, contacting the service and the support we can offer.
It’s your call
You decide what you want to share, the areas you need advice for and what your next steps. Our Advisors will actively listen, talk through the available options and put you in touch with services who can help with the areas of you need you have shared.
Contact Men’s Advice Line