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Help is hereNorsk · Gaeilge (béite)

For men

Men are hit, threatened, controlled and humiliated by partners too. It is no less serious because you are a man, and speaking up is not weakness.

A man sits outside an open, warmly lit doorway and talks with a helper. A suit of armour has been set on the ground.
For men “Strength Is Asking” — Purple Askepott Laying down the armour is not giving up. It is asking for help.

"Who would believe me?"

Many men keep it to themselves. Out of shame, fear of not being believed, or fear of losing their children. The person abusing them often knows this, and uses it.

You are believed here. And you have the same rights as everyone else.

Crisis centres are for you too

Under Norway's Crisis Centre Act (§§ 1–2) every municipality must offer crisis-centre help to women, men and children. You can call to talk, get advice, or find a safe place to stay with your children.

  • Find your crisis centre

    Each crisis centre has its own 24-hour number. By law they must take in women, men and children — free, no referral needed.

    24/7, all year (required by law).

    krisesenter.com

  • Violence and Abuse Helpline (VO-linjen)

    Call 116 006

    For everyone experiencing violence or abuse in a close relationship — women and men, and family and friends. Free and anonymous.

    Phone 24/7. Chat Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00.

    Chat · volinjen.no

  • Men's Phone (Reform)

    Call 22 34 09 60

    Anonymous calls for men, including about violence you have experienced or your own anger. Answered by trained volunteers.

    Mon–Thu 17:00–20:00.

    reform.no

Outside Norway? Several countries have lines just for men — see outside Norway.

When children are used as a weapon

After a break-up, control can continue through the children: contact obstructed again and again without reason, threats to move away with them, false allegations, or children turned against the other parent. This happens to mothers and to fathers.

A child has a right to contact with both parents, and a Norwegian court can impose a coercive fine when contact is obstructed (Children Act § 65). The family counselling service can help with mediation, and the organisations below give advice.

Where there is violence or abuse against the child, the child must be protected. Always.