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 Idaho

8 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 Idaho

Idaho magistrate divisions handle custody matters within the district courts. The Child Support Services division within the Department of Health and Welfare runs enforcement. Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls are the largest cities. Idaho Legal Aid Services provides free family law help for eligible fathers statewide.

8 Resources

1. Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & DV — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence to shelters, legal advocacy, and support services in Idaho. The coalition operates a 24/7 hotline and maintains a member directory of local programs. Fathers experiencing abuse, or concerned about a loved one, can call anonymously for a warm referral to the nearest shelter or advocate; services are free and confidential.

800-669-3176 · 300 N 6th St #330, Boise, ID 83702 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. Women's & Children's Alliance – Boise — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and advocacy services for the Boise area, including a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and court advocacy. While primarily serving women and children, intake staff can help fathers in need find appropriate shelter and protective services. Call the crisis line any time or visit the downtown Boise office during business hours; services are free and confidential.

208-343-3688 · 720 W Washington St, Boise, ID 83702 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Faces of Hope – Boise — Free

One-stop victim services center for domestic and sexual violence survivors in Ada County, co-locating police, prosecutors, advocates, medical exams, and counseling in a single Boise location. Fathers and their children can walk in during business hours or be referred by law enforcement; staff help with protection orders, safety planning, and follow-up care. Services are free and confidential.

208-577-4405 · 417 S 6th St, Boise, ID 83702 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Safe Passage – Coeur d'Alene — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and advocacy for the north Idaho panhandle, including Kootenai County. Safe Passage offers a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling. Fathers experiencing abuse or concerned about their children can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and referrals; services are confidential and free to survivors and their kids.

208-664-1443 · Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Advocates Against Family Violence – Caldwell — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy program serving Canyon County from Caldwell. Services include a 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, protection-order assistance, children's support groups, and transitional help. Fathers fleeing abuse or seeking help for their kids can call the crisis line any time for confidential safety planning and referrals. All services are free to survivors and their children.

208-459-4779 · PO Box 508, Caldwell, ID 83606 · 24/7 crisis line

6. National DV Hotline – Idaho — Free

Free 24/7 national hotline connecting Idaho survivors of domestic violence to local shelters, legal advocacy, and safety planning resources. Trained advocates take calls, chat, and text, and can route fathers, mothers, and concerned family to the nearest in-state program. The hotline is confidential, accessible in 200+ languages through interpreters, and does not require giving identifying details.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. The Advocates – Hailey — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault services for the Wood River Valley, including Blaine County and surrounding communities. Based in Hailey, The Advocates operates a 24/7 crisis line, shelter, legal advocacy, and children's programs. Fathers experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning, protection-order help, and referrals; services are free and confidential to survivors and their children.

208-788-4191 · PO Box 3216, Hailey, ID 83333 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. Mercy Housing Idaho – DV Support — Free

Transitional housing and supportive services for domestic violence survivors in Idaho, run by Mercy Housing from its Boise office. Eligible fathers and their children can access affordable apartments with case management focused on stability, employment, and healing. Call the office during business hours to ask about current openings, eligibility screening, and referral partners; services are designed for low-income survivors.

208-345-4907 · Boise, ID 83702 · 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.