TESSA (Colorado Springs)

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 Colorado

Colorado uses 'allocation of parental responsibilities' instead of 'custody' and handles cases in district courts. The Child Support Services division runs enforcement statewide. Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins anchor the major metros. Colorado Legal Services (the statewide LSC program), Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, and numerous county self-help centers support fathers statewide.

More Domestic Violence in Colorado

• Colorado DV Hotline — Statewide 24-hour hotline connecting Colorado survivors of domestic violence to local shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety plann
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources in more than 200 languages for su
• SafeHouse Denver — Denver's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's pro
• Rose Andom Center (Denver) — Denver's family justice center providing domestic violence survivors with crisis services, legal advocacy, counseling, law enforcement coord
• Gateway Battered Women's Services (Aurora) — Serves Aurora and eastern metro Denver with 24-hour crisis services, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors of dome
• ColoradoLegalHelp.org - Domestic Violence — Free online legal resource with self-help tools, JDF forms, and step-by-step guides for Colorado domestic violence survivors seeking protect

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.