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 Delaware

11 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 Delaware

Delaware Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support statewide through three county courthouses (New Castle, Kent, Sussex). The Division of Child Support Services operates under DSS. Delaware's small size means one consistent state system. Community Legal Aid Society (CLASI) and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware offer free legal representation.

11 Resources

1. Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide coalition providing advocacy, resources, and referrals for domestic violence survivors and their children, based in Wilmington. Staff connect Delaware residents to shelter, counseling, and legal help. Men experiencing abuse, fathers protecting children, and those responding to false allegations can call during weekday hours for referrals. All conversations are confidential and intake does not require ID.

(302) 658-2958 · 100 W 10th St Suite 903, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and referrals for people in abusive situations, including Delaware fathers. Trained advocates speak with callers by phone, chat, or text and can connect users to local shelters, counseling, and legal aid. No ID, insurance, or appointment is required. Callers can remain anonymous; the line is free and available any hour, day or night, across the country.

(800) 799-7233 · National service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. People's Place — Domestic Violence Program — Free

Shelter, counseling, and support services for domestic violence victims and their children in Kent and Sussex counties, with the main office in Milford. Services include safety planning, court accompaniment, and children's programs. A 24/7 hotline takes calls from fathers, mothers, and concerned relatives. Walk-ins accepted during business hours; bring photo ID and any protective order paperwork if available.

(302) 422-8033 · 1129 Airport Rd, Milford, DE 19963 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

4. Delaware Victims' Compensation Assistance Program — Free

State program providing financial assistance to crime victims including domestic violence survivors for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and relocation costs. Applications are processed at the Attorney General's office in Wilmington. Applicants should bring photo ID, police report numbers, medical bills, and documentation of losses. Application forms are available online; no legal representation is required.

(302) 255-1770 · 820 N French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Abriendo Puertas/Latin American Community Center DV Services — Free

Bilingual domestic violence services for Latino families in Delaware, based at the Latin American Community Center on North Van Buren Street in Wilmington. Staff provide safety planning, advocacy, and referrals in Spanish and English. Walk-ins welcome during weekday business hours; calls are confidential. Bring photo ID and any court or police paperwork if available, though these are not required for initial intake.

(302) 655-7338 · 403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Delaware Domestic Violence Coordinating Council — Free

Multi-agency state council coordinating Delaware's response to domestic violence through policy, training, and inter-agency protocols, based in Wilmington. Not a direct service provider; the council supports shelters, law enforcement, courts, and advocacy groups statewide. Useful for fathers, professionals, and community members who want to understand how Delaware systems intersect and how to access coordinated services.

(302) 255-0405 · 900 King St Suite 210, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Sojourners' Place — Wilmington — Free

Transitional housing and supportive services for homeless individuals including domestic violence survivors in Wilmington, operating from North King Street. Residents receive case management, employment support, and help connecting to permanent housing. Fathers and single men can call or walk in during weekday business hours to inquire about bed availability. Bring photo ID and a willingness to participate in structured programming.

(302) 652-3991 · 1229 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Victim Connect Resource Center — Delaware — Free

National helpline and chat connecting Delaware victims of crime with local domestic violence, stalking, and assault resources. Advocates help callers identify Delaware-specific services and next steps. No ID is required and conversations are confidential. Available weekdays during standard Eastern business hours, the line is free to use and can be a good bridge to in-state advocacy and legal aid services.

(855) 4-VICTIM · National service · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST · Visit Website

9. Delaware Family Violence Intervention Unit — Free

Attorney General's Office unit specializing in domestic violence investigation, prosecution, and victim safety planning across Delaware, based on North French Street in Wilmington. Prosecutors and advocates coordinate on felony cases and protective orders. Victims and witnesses can contact the office during weekday hours to follow up on active cases; bring photo ID and any case or report numbers when visiting.

(302) 577-8500 · 820 N French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. CHILD Inc. — Supervised Visitation Center — Paid

Safe supervised visitation center allowing non-custodial parents to visit their children in a monitored, neutral setting in Wilmington. Helpful in cases with protective orders, reunification plans, or court-ordered supervision. Fathers should bring photo ID, the court order specifying supervision, and any agency or attorney contact information. Fees apply; sliding-scale options may be available after intake.

(302) 762-6110 · 507 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809 · Sat-Sun and some evenings · Visit Website

11. Christiana Hospital — DV Advocacy Program — Free

Hospital-based domestic violence advocacy program at Christiana Care in Newark, assisting patients who disclose abuse during medical visits. Advocates provide safety planning, referrals, and documentation support. Available around the clock through the hospital; patients do not need an appointment. Fathers, mothers, and others can ask any nurse or physician to connect them with a domestic violence advocate confidentially.

(302) 733-1000 · 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, Newark, DE 19718 · 24/7 hospital service · 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.