Domestic Violence in Georgia

17 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 Georgia

Georgia superior courts hear divorce and custody in each of its 159 counties. The Division of Child Support Services under DHS handles enforcement. Atlanta anchors the state; Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Athens round out major metros. Atlanta Legal Aid and Georgia Legal Services Program are the two primary civil legal aid organizations, with specific fathers' rights and child support help available.

17 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential crisis hotline for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org. Trained advocates provide safety planning, local shelter referrals, and emotional support. Available in over 200 languages. This hotline also supports male survivors and fathers in abusive situations. All contacts are confidential. Chat and text options available for situations where speaking is not safe.

1-800-799-7233 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) — Free

Georgia's domestic violence coalition with a 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-800-334-2836. Connects callers to local shelters, legal advocates, and support services across all 159 counties. GCADV also trains DV service providers and advocates for policy reform. Fathers who are survivors of domestic violence or seeking resources for a family member can call the hotline any time for confidential assistance and local referrals.

1-800-334-2836 · Atlanta, GA (statewide coverage) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

3. Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) — Free

State agency overseeing domestic violence policy, batterer intervention programs, and statewide protective order information for all Georgians. Maintains the registry of court-certified Family Violence Intervention Programs (FVIPs), which courts may require for perpetrators. Also provides resources for survivors on obtaining protective orders. Located at 47 Trinity Ave SW in Atlanta. Call 404-657-3412 Mon–Fri 8am–5pm for referrals and program information.

404-657-3412 · 47 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 316, Atlanta, GA 30334 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Visit Website

4. 1in6 – Support for Men — Free

National organization supporting men who have experienced sexual or physical abuse. Offers 24/7 online chat through their Helpline and weekly counselor-led support groups. Resources include articles on healing, finding a therapist, and navigating relationships after trauma. Particularly important for fathers who may be dealing with unresolved abuse history. Visit 1in6.org for the live chat and to find upcoming support group sessions. Call 1-800-656-4673 any time.

1-800-656-4673 · National (online) · 24/7 online; weekly groups · Visit Website

5. MaleSurvivor — Free

Online community and healing resources for male survivors of sexual violence, abuse, and trauma. Offers peer support forums, professional therapist referrals, and a library of healing resources. Weekend of Recovery retreats are held periodically for deeper healing. Relevant for fathers dealing with trauma that affects parenting and relationships. Visit malesurvivor.org to join the community forum and access the professional referral database.

National (online) · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Georgia Protective Order Process — Free

Victims of family violence can file for a free Family Violence Protective Order at any Georgia Superior Court clerk's office. No attorney required. Temporary protection orders can be granted the same day by a magistrate in emergencies. Petitioners must describe the family violence and request specific relief. Bring photo ID and any evidence of violence such as photos, texts, or medical records. Visit georgia.gov for the process guide and form packet.

Local Superior Court (all 159 counties) · Court business hours; emergency orders available 24/7 via magistrate · Visit Website

7. Cherokee Family Violence Center — Free

Serves Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, Dawson, and Forsyth counties in north Georgia. Provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, and batterer intervention programs. The 24/7 crisis line is 770-479-1804. Shelter address is confidential for safety. Also offers transitional housing and children's programs. Fathers impacted by domestic violence—as survivors or seeking batterer intervention—can call for information and referrals any time.

770-479-1804 · Canton, GA (confidential shelter address) · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. Safe Harbor (Savannah) — Free

Chatham County domestic violence shelter and services for survivors in the Savannah area. Provides a confidential emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis hotline at 912-629-8888, legal advocacy, and transitional housing. Also offers a children's program and economic empowerment services. Call the hotline any time for immediate assistance, shelter placement, or safety planning. Shelter address is kept confidential for the safety of residents.

912-629-8888 · Savannah, GA (confidential) · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Men Stopping Violence – Atlanta — Paid

Atlanta-based organization working to end male violence against women through education, community organizing, and certified batterer intervention programs. Runs state-certified Family Violence Intervention Programs (FVIPs) for men court-ordered to attend. Also offers community workshops and training for organizations. Located at 533 W Howard Ave in Decatur. Call 404-688-1376 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm for program enrollment and scheduling information.

404-688-1376 · 533 W Howard Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

10. Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) — Free

Metro Atlanta's largest domestic violence agency. Operates two confidential emergency shelters, a 24-hour hotline at 404-873-1766, legal advocacy, children's programs, and transitional housing. Serves survivors of all genders. Also provides outreach and community education. Call the hotline any time to speak with a trained advocate, request shelter, or get safety planning assistance. Shelter locations are confidential for resident safety.

404-873-1766 · Atlanta, GA (confidential shelter locations) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

11. International Women's House (DeKalb County) — Free

Shelter and transitional housing for immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence in the Atlanta area. Provides culturally sensitive services, language assistance, and legal support for navigating immigration and protective order processes. Located in Clarkston with a confidential shelter address. The 24/7 crisis line is 770-413-5557. Serves women and children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Referrals from local DV organizations are also accepted.

770-413-5557 · Clarkston, GA (confidential) · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. Gateway Center – DV Services (Columbus) — Free

Domestic violence shelter and support services for survivors in the Columbus and west-central Georgia area. Provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing. The 24/7 hotline is 706-324-3850. Shelter address is confidential. Also offers support groups and case management for survivors working toward independence. Fathers who are survivors of domestic violence in the Columbus area can call for confidential support and referrals.

706-324-3850 · Columbus, GA (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

13. SAFE Shelter (Savannah – SAFE Center) — Free

Emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Savannah/Chatham County area. Provides a safe confidential location, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and referrals for transitional housing. The 24/7 crisis line is 912-629-8888. Staff can assist survivors with safety planning, court orders, and connections to community resources. Call any time for immediate help. Shelter address is not published for resident safety.

912-629-8888 · Savannah, GA (confidential) · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

14. RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 hotline connecting callers to local sexual assault service providers across Georgia and the nation. Call 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org to chat online with a trained staff member. Available for survivors of all genders, including male survivors who often face stigma in seeking help. Staff provide crisis support, safety planning, and referrals to local rape crisis centers and counseling services throughout Georgia.

1-800-656-4673 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

15. Crisis Center of Augusta — Free

Crisis intervention, counseling, and domestic violence support services for survivors in the Augusta-Richmond County region. The 24/7 crisis line is 706-724-2800. Provides emergency counseling, safety planning, legal advocacy referrals, and connections to shelter. Serves survivors of all genders including male survivors. Call any time for confidential assistance. Located in Augusta with a confidential address for safety of residents seeking emergency help.

706-724-2800 · Augusta, GA (confidential) · 24/7 crisis line

16. Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) — Free

Statewide coalition connecting survivors of sexual violence to local rape crisis centers, advocacy programs, and counseling services across all 159 Georgia counties. GNESA member organizations provide free, confidential services including forensic exams, counseling, and legal support. Call 404-815-5261 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm to be connected to your nearest member rape crisis center. Visit gnesa.org for the full directory of local programs.

404-815-5261 · Atlanta, GA (statewide coverage) · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Visit Website

17. Macon-Bibb Crisis Line Center — Free

24-hour crisis line and domestic violence support services for survivors in the Macon-Bibb County area. The crisis hotline at 478-745-9292 is available around the clock for immediate assistance. Provides crisis counseling, safety planning, shelter referrals, and connections to legal advocacy. Serves survivors of all genders. Call any time for confidential support. Located in Macon, serving Bibb County and surrounding central Georgia communities.

478-745-9292 · Macon, GA 31201 · 24/7 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.