Can men be victims of domestic violence?

Yes — roughly 1 in 9 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and ManKind Initiative serve male victims. Stigma is a major barrier, but the legal protections (protective orders, DV charges) are available to men in every state.

What if I'm falsely accused?

Take it seriously even if untrue. Consult a criminal or family law attorney immediately; don't speak to police or the accuser without counsel. Document your whereabouts, witnesses, communications. Most protective orders can be challenged at a full evidentiary hearing within 10–21 days of initial issuance.

How do I get a protective order?

File a petition at your county's family court or civil court — no attorney required. Temporary ex parte orders can issue same-day; a full hearing typically follows within two to three weeks. Court self-help centers and DV advocates help fill out forms at no cost.

Are there shelters for men?

Male-specific DV shelter capacity is limited but exists in some cities (through organizations like Valor, ManKind, and certain state coalitions). Most DV agencies will arrange hotel placement or referral to emergency shelter for male victims when shelter-specific housing isn't available.

Domestic Violence in Arizona

12 verified resources.

About Domestic Violence for Fathers

Domestic violence resources for men have grown significantly over the past decade. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) accepts calls from any gender, and the Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (SAVE) helpline and ManKind Initiative are dedicated to male victims. Every state has a coalition against domestic violence, and most cities have shelters — though male-specific shelter capacity remains limited. Men can obtain protective orders in family court, request supervised visitation, and work with victim advocates attached to local prosecutor offices. For fathers falsely accused of domestic violence during custody disputes, a criminal defense attorney or family law attorney with DV experience is critical. This directory includes national hotlines, state coalitions, men's shelters where available, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

12 Resources

1. Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence — Free

Phoenix-based statewide coalition (ACESDV) coordinating sexual and domestic violence services across Arizona. Provides training for advocates and law enforcement, public policy advocacy, a 24-hour statewide hotline, technical assistance to member agencies, and referrals to local DV programs in all 15 counties. Services to survivors are free and confidential. Call the statewide hotline to be connected to shelter, crisis counseling, and legal advocacy in your area.

602-279-2900 · 2800 N Central Ave, Suite 1570, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and warm handoff referrals to local Arizona shelters, legal advocates, and community-based programs. Support available by phone, online chat at thehotline.org, or text START to 88788, in 200-plus languages. Advocates are trained to support survivors of any gender, including male survivors. No caller ID shows on phone records for mobile callers.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all AZ residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse (Tucson) — Free

Pima County's primary domestic violence agency, operating since 1978, providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy for orders of protection and custody, children's programs, and community education across Tucson and southern Arizona. Serves survivors of any gender. All services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line to access shelter intake or schedule non-residential advocacy.

520-795-4266 · 2545 E Adams St, Tucson, AZ 85716 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Chrysalis Shelter (Phoenix) — Free

Phoenix-based nonprofit providing safe emergency shelter at a confidential location, crisis counseling, support groups, court and legal advocacy, transitional housing, and children's programming for domestic violence survivors and their children. Serves survivors of any gender across Maricopa County. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24-hour crisis line for intake into shelter or non-residential support services.

602-955-9059 · Phoenix, AZ (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

5. AZLawHelp.org - Domestic Violence — Free

Dedicated domestic violence section of Arizona's statewide legal help website offering free plain-language guides on orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, emergency custody, and other legal remedies. Includes downloadable court forms, step-by-step filing instructions, safety planning resources, and referrals to local DV shelters and legal aid providers. Accessible 24/7 in English and Spanish from any device at no cost.

Online resource · Online 24/7

6. Against Abuse Inc (Prescott) — Free

Northern Arizona domestic violence and sexual assault agency providing emergency shelter at a confidential location, a 24-hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, court and legal advocacy, and children's programs for survivors and their families across Yavapai County, including Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, and the Verde Valley. Serves survivors of any gender. All services are free and confidential.

928-445-4673 · Prescott, AZ (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line

7. Northland Family Help Center (Flagstaff) — Free

Flagstaff-based domestic violence agency serving Coconino County and the surrounding northern Arizona region. Provides a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter at a confidential location, transitional housing, individual and group counseling, children's programs, and legal advocacy for orders of protection and custody. Serves survivors of any gender. All services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line for shelter intake or non-residential advocacy.

928-774-4512 · Flagstaff, AZ (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Southwest Center for Law and Policy (Tucson) — Free

Tucson-based legal advocacy nonprofit focused on ending violence against Native women and strengthening tribal justice responses. Provides training for tribal advocates, prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement; technical assistance to tribes; and policy development across Arizona tribal nations and nationwide. Primarily serves professionals working with Native survivors. Individuals seeking direct services should contact DNA People's Legal Services or a local tribal DV program.

520-623-8192 · 1501 N Campbell Ave, Suite 201, Tucson, AZ 85719 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Amberly's Place (Yuma) — Free

Yuma County family advocacy center offering coordinated crisis intervention, forensic interviews, medical advocacy, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse in southwestern Arizona. Works alongside law enforcement and the county attorney's office. Bilingual Spanish-language services throughout. All services are free and confidential. Call or visit the center to be connected to immediate support.

928-373-0849 · 1600 S Arizona Ave, Suite 31, Yuma, AZ 85364 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; 24-hour crisis referral · Visit Website

10. Sojourner Center (Phoenix) — Free

One of the nation's largest domestic violence shelters, providing emergency shelter at a confidential Phoenix location, transitional housing, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, employment services, and children's programs across Maricopa County. Pet-friendly shelter available. Serves survivors of any gender. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24-hour crisis line for intake into shelter or non-residential support services.

602-244-0089 · Phoenix, AZ (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

11. Eve's Place (Mesa) — Free

East Valley domestic violence resource center providing safety planning, emergency shelter, support groups, court and legal advocacy for orders of protection and custody, and children's services for survivors across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, and surrounding East Valley communities. Serves survivors of any gender. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24-hour hotline for immediate crisis support or to schedule non-residential advocacy.

480-396-0789 · Mesa, AZ (confidential location) · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; 24-hour hotline · Visit Website

12. Maricopa County Victim Assistance Program — Free

Program of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office providing crisis intervention, safety planning, court advocacy, case status updates, and emergency financial assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes in Maricopa County. Advocates accompany victims to court hearings and help navigate the criminal justice system. Services are free and confidential. Contact the office or ask a prosecutor to connect you to an assigned victim advocate.

602-506-8522 · 222 N Central Ave, Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85004 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Domestic Violence — Common Questions

Can men be victims of domestic violence?: Yes — roughly 1 in 9 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and ManKind Initiative serve male victims. Stigma is a major barrier, but the legal protections (protective orders, DV charges) are available to men in every state.
What if I'm falsely accused?: Take it seriously even if untrue. Consult a criminal or family law attorney immediately; don't speak to police or the accuser without counsel. Document your whereabouts, witnesses, communications. Most protective orders can be challenged at a full evidentiary hearing within 10–21 days of initial issuance.
How do I get a protective order?: File a petition at your county's family court or civil court — no attorney required. Temporary ex parte orders can issue same-day; a full hearing typically follows within two to three weeks. Court self-help centers and DV advocates help fill out forms at no cost.
Are there shelters for men?: Male-specific DV shelter capacity is limited but exists in some cities (through organizations like Valor, ManKind, and certain state coalitions). Most DV agencies will arrange hotel placement or referral to emergency shelter for male victims when shelter-specific housing isn't available.