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 Hawaii

7 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 Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

7 Resources

1. Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors to shelters, legal advocacy, and support services across all Hawaiian islands. The coalition itself does not provide direct shelter but routes callers to the nearest program. Call the Umi Street office in Honolulu weekdays. Fathers who are survivors, or who co-parent with a survivor, can use HSCADV's directory to find the right island-specific resource.

808-832-9316 · 716 Umi St #210, Honolulu, HI 96819 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Domestic Violence Action Center – Oahu — Free

Legal advocacy, counseling, and domestic violence services for Oahu residents, including protective order assistance, court accompaniment, and support groups. The 24/7 hotline routes callers to intake and safety planning. Fathers who are survivors or are helping children in a DV situation can call any time. Bring photo ID, any police reports, and existing court orders when meeting an advocate.

808-531-3771 · PO Box 3198, Honolulu, HI 96801 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

3. Women Helping Women – Maui — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for Maui County including crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and transitional support. Despite the name, services are open to male survivors and fathers seeking help for themselves or their children. The 24/7 crisis line connects callers with advocates. Bring photo ID if you have it, but staff will still assist in emergencies without documentation.

808-242-6400 · 1935 Main St, Wailuku, HI 96793 · 24/7 crisis line

4. YWCA – Kauai DV Services — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy for Kauai residents, including emergency shelter, court advocacy, support groups, and child-focused services. The 24/7 crisis line connects callers with trained advocates at the Lihue office. Fathers seeking help for themselves or their children can call at any time. Advocates help with protective orders, safety planning, and referrals to longer-term housing.

808-245-6362 · 3094 Elua St, Lihue, HI 96766 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Hilo YWCA – DV Services — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy on the Big Island with emergency housing, court advocacy, and counseling for survivors and their children. The Puueo Street location in Hilo operates a 24/7 crisis line. Fathers in danger, or co-parenting around a DV situation, can call any time of day. Advocates help with protective order filings, safety planning, and follow-up case management.

808-935-0677 · 73 Puueo St, Hilo, HI 96720 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. National DV Hotline – Hawaii — Free

24/7 national hotline connecting Hawaii survivors to island-specific resources including shelter, legal help, and counseling. Advocates can help with safety planning, documentation, and warm transfers to local agencies. Fathers who are survivors, or who are concerned about their children, can call confidentially from anywhere in the state. Interpretation services are available in many languages at no charge.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Volunteer Legal Services – DV Cases — Free

Pro bono attorneys for domestic violence legal cases through Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii. Matches qualifying low-income clients with volunteer lawyers for protective orders, custody, and related matters from the Queen Street office in Honolulu. Call weekdays for intake. Bring photo ID, proof of income, any police reports or medical records, and copies of existing court orders for your attorney consult.

808-528-7046 · 545 Queen St #100, Honolulu, HI 96813 · 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.