ManKind Initiative

The ManKind Initiative is a domestic violence charity based in the United Kingdom and is at the forefront of providing support for male victims of domestic abuse and violence. Since becoming a charity in 2001, it has provided a helpline, training and support for statutory agencies (primarily the police and local authorities) and campaigns to ensure that equal recognition is given to male victims in the same way that recognition is given to female victims of domestic abuse.^[1] It is one of only a few charities in the country to help male victims.^[2][3]

The organisation is based in Taunton and was founded in 2001.^[4] There are regional branches in London and the South East, South West, Wales, and the West Midlands.^[5]

Objectives

The ManKind Initiative believes that support should be provided to male victims of domestic violence in that all victims of domestic violence and abuse should be catered for. It rejects the gender based approach to the issue used by the government, local authorities and police and instead demonstrates that domestic violence can happen to anyone and is a societal and family problem.^[1][6]

The organisation is committed to challenging harmful gender based domestic violence policies and ensuring help is available to all, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. It strongly believes men and women should work together to tackle the issue of domestic violence, that gender politics need to be removed from the issue and victims should be treated as individuals.^[1][7]

Activities

The ManKind Initiative runs a helpline for male victims across the UK, which is available Monday to Friday during the daytime and evening.^[8] It refers victims to relevant services or accommodation that might be available to them. The organisation campaigns for recognition of male victims, provision of domestic violence shelters for men and seeks more services at a local level.^[1]

The organisation has been increasingly successful in recent times in beginning to highlight the plight of male victims and change attitudes towards domestic violence. Notable successes include forcing retailer Superdrug to withdraw products promoting domestic violence against men.^[9]

It regularly appears in the media ^[10] and notable media successes have included helping the BBC produce coverage on the subject including on Radio 1,^[11] Radio 4 ^[12] and The One Show.^[13] It has also appeared on GMTV, The Sun ^[14] and Channel 4.^[15]

It also regularly challenges the authorities to ensure they do not forget the plight of male victims. Recent campaigns include challenging the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, the Crown Prosecution Service and Mayor of London.^[16]

Funding

The ManKind Initiative has four part-time staff who work alongside volunteers. It receives little funding, with an income of only £49,938 in 2010.^[3][17][18]

The organisation receives no government support, relying on donations. Funding partners include: The Tudor Trust, The Lankelly Chase Trust, The Nationwide Foundation, The National Lottery, The Royal Agricultural University, Newman University, Weston-Super-Mare Carnival and Hogg Robinson.^[19][20]

Patrons and supporters

The organisation's patrons include Erin Pizzey (founder of the world first domestic violence shelters), Lord Cotter, John Penrose MP and Liz Lynne MEP.^[1][21][22]

It has six trustees and the Chairman is Mark Brooks.

References

External links

• ManKind Initiative Website

See also

• Parity (charity)
• Domestic violence
• Women's Aid Federation of England
• Refuge (United Kingdom charity)