Academic surveys

From time to time, the charity receives request from academics or the media who would like male victims to take part in surveys. These form an important part of helping to ensure that the needs of male victims are adequately addressed.

The ManKind Initiative, however, does not take any responsibility for the content of these surveys or the requests.

Media/Survivors

If you are a male survivor and your ex-partner was convicted, we receive calls from the media regularly asking to speak to male survivors – if this is something you could consider helping with , please contact Mark Brooks via chairman@mankind.org.uk

(1) Gretchen Jakub: St Andrews University

Gretchen Jakub, PhD researcher at the University of St Andrews with professional experience as a psychotherapist is conducting research exploring how experiences of coercive control may be associated with cognitive functioning with the goal of improving recognition, understanding, and support for people affected by domestic abuse.

The study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who are currently in a monogamous relationship that has been ongoing for at least six months. We are particularly interested in hearing from men who have experienced coercive and controlling behaviours, as greater research and awareness of male victimisation are needed.

Participation involves three online sessions conducted via Microsoft Teams and other secure platforms, taking approximately three hours in total. Up to £25 in Amazon vouchers is offered as compensation: £5 for completing the questionnaires and cognitive tasks, £10 for the interview, and £10 for completing the third session.

If you would like more information or are interested in taking part, please see the research recruitment poster or scan the QR code below.

Closing date: July 2028

(2) Natalie Quinn-Walker: Wolverhampton University

PhD Research: How do family and friends’ responses to disclosure of domestic abuse influence male victims’ disclosure and professional help-seeking behaviours?

Natalie Quinn-Walker, a PhD Researcher at the University of Wolverhampton, is conducting research exploring the experiences of men who have experienced domestic abuse from a current or former female intimate partner and have spoken to a family member and/or friend about their experience. The research aims to understand the responses and support men receive following disclosure and whether these experiences influence subsequent disclosure to others or decisions to seek professional support.

The study is open to men aged 18 or over who currently live in the UK and meet the above criteria. Participation involves completing an anonymous online questionnaire containing multiple-choice, rating-scale and open-text questions and takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Participants will not be asked to describe the domestic abuse itself in detail. Participation is entirely voluntary, and further information is provided before deciding whether to take part.

To find out more or participate, please visit: How do family and friends’ responses to disclosure of domestic abuse influence male victims’ disclosure and professional help-seeking behaviours? – Online Surveys | Online surveys 

Recruitment Poster

For further information, please contact Natalie Quinn-Walker at n.quinnwalker@wlv.ac.uk

Closing date: October 2027

(3) Henrique Correia: Exeter University

Male Identity Formation and the Maternal Mediation of Masculinity

This doctoral research explores how male identity is formed in the absence of an emotionally engaged father, with a particular focus on how the mother mediates representations of masculinity. This study examines the broader processes through which masculinity is shaped when paternal emotional engagement is lacking. Emotional absence in this context refers to a father’s lack of emotional availability, support, or involvement in the relational dynamic of the family, which may manifest as emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or psychological distance despite physical presence (Parker, 2017). This study investigates how the maternal figure influences constructions of masculinity and whether these representations challenge traditional psychoanalytic theories of male identity formation.

The study will focus on the experiences and perspectives of males aged 18 and older, using qualitative interviews with 10–12 participants. These interviews will explore how their mother’s influence, personal experiences, and external social factors have contributed to their understanding of masculinity and their own identity as males.

A voucher of £20 is provided for participation.

To Express Interest: Please contact Henrique Correia directly at: hd557@exeter.ac.uk