Maricopa County Victim Assistance Program

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.

More Domestic Violence in Arizona

• Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence — Phoenix-based statewide coalition (ACESDV) coordinating sexual and domestic violence services across Arizona. Provides training for advocate
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free, confidential 24/7 hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and warm handoff referrals to local Arizo
• Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse (Tucson) — Pima County's primary domestic violence agency, operating since 1978, providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, individual and gro
• Chrysalis Shelter (Phoenix) — Phoenix-based nonprofit providing safe emergency shelter at a confidential location, crisis counseling, support groups, court and legal advo
• AZLawHelp.org - Domestic Violence — Dedicated domestic violence section of Arizona's statewide legal help website offering free plain-language guides on orders of protection, i
• Against Abuse Inc (Prescott) — Northern Arizona domestic violence and sexual assault agency providing emergency shelter at a confidential location, a 24-hour crisis line,

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.