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 Illinois

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 Illinois

Illinois handles family law through circuit courts in each of its 23 judicial circuits, with Cook County running its own Domestic Relations Division. The Division of Child Support Services handles enforcement. Chicago dominates the state; downstate metros include Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, Naperville, and Peoria. Legal Aid Chicago (formerly CVLS) and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid cover most of the state for low-income fathers.

17 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Federally funded 24/7 hotline offering crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local DV programs nationwide. Trained advocates answer calls, texts, and chats around the clock to help people in abusive situations create safety plans and find local resources. This hotline is available to all genders including men and fathers who experience domestic violence. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org.

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

2. Life Span (Chicago) — Free

Provides free legal representation, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in the Chicago area. Life Span's multidisciplinary team helps survivors access emergency orders of protection, navigate family court proceedings, and access safety planning support. Services are available to all genders. Call the office or visit to speak with an intake coordinator about available help and eligibility requirements.

312-408-1210 · 70 E Lake St, Suite 700, Chicago, IL 60601 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Between Friends Chicago — Free

Chicago-based organization offering a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education for domestic violence survivors on the North Side. Between Friends operates a confidential crisis hotline and provides wrap-around services including safety planning, court advocacy, and transitional housing referrals. Call the 24-hour line at 1-800-603-4357 to speak with a trained advocate and learn about available services.

1-800-603-4357 · Chicago, IL 60660 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating over 50 member organizations providing shelter, legal aid, and advocacy for DV survivors across Illinois. ICADV operates a 24/7 statewide hotline connecting callers to local DV agencies and crisis services. The coalition also conducts training, policy advocacy, and public education campaigns. Call the hotline to be connected to your local DV program or visit ilcadv.org to find a member agency near you.

217-789-2830 · 806 S College St, Springfield, IL 62704 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Family Rescue (Chicago) — Free

Serves Chicago's south side with emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for DV survivors. Family Rescue operates a 24/7 crisis hotline and provides confidential shelter, safety planning, court accompaniment, and referrals to ongoing services. Non-emergency office hours are Monday through Friday. Call the crisis line at 773-375-8400 at any time to speak with a trained advocate.

773-375-8400 · Chicago, IL 60618 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Metropolitan Family Services (DV Programs) — Free

Comprehensive DV services in Chicago metro including counseling, legal advocacy, and programs addressing domestic violence for individuals and families. Metropolitan Family Services provides individual therapy, support groups, court accompaniment, and safety planning. Services are available to all genders and family types. Fathers who are DV survivors can call MFS to ask about available services at the nearest office in the Chicago metropolitan area.

312-986-4000 · 1 N Dearborn St, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60602 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Illinois Order of Protection Information — Free

Illinois courts offer civil Orders of Protection under the Domestic Violence Act. Any family or household member can petition for protection regardless of gender. An emergency order can be granted the same day without the abuser present. Protective orders can restrict contact, grant temporary custody, and require the abuser to vacate a shared home. Visit the Cook County DV Courthouse or contact your county circuit clerk to file a petition.

312-603-5800 · 555 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607 (Cook County DV Courthouse) · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Apna Ghar (Chicago) — Free

Serves immigrant and refugee communities in Chicago with DV crisis services, shelter, legal advocacy, and culturally sensitive counseling. Apna Ghar specializes in serving South Asian, Middle Eastern, and other immigrant communities with multilingual staff and culturally competent services. A 24-hour crisis line is available. Immigrant fathers or those with immigrant family members experiencing abuse can call for confidential guidance regardless of immigration status.

773-334-4663 · 4350 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) — Free

Serves suburban Cook County with emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and legal advocacy for DV survivors and their children. WINGS operates a 24-hour crisis line and confidential shelter serving Palatine, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, and surrounding northwest and west suburbs. Survivors can call anytime for safety planning and referrals. Children's programs and legal court advocacy are available to support families through the process.

847-221-5680 · Palatine, IL 60095 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Mutual Ground (Aurora) — Free

Kane County domestic violence and sexual assault center providing shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and 24-hour crisis services in the Aurora area. Mutual Ground operates a confidential emergency shelter and hotline for survivors in Kane County, including Aurora, Elgin, and surrounding communities. Advocates provide court accompaniment and safety planning. Call the 24-hour crisis line at 630-897-8383 to reach a trained advocate any time of day.

630-897-8383 · 418 Oak Ave, Aurora, IL 60506 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Quanada (Quincy) — Free

Western Illinois domestic violence and sexual assault service provider offering shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy in Adams County and the Quincy area. Quanada operates a 24-hour crisis line and confidential emergency shelter for survivors in the tri-state area of western Illinois, northeast Missouri, and southeast Iowa. Court advocacy and safety planning are available. Call the crisis line at 217-222-0069 to speak with an advocate.

217-222-0069 · 2707 Maine St, Quincy, IL 62301 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Resilience (formerly Rape Victim Advocates) — Free

Chicago organization providing crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education for survivors of sexual violence. Resilience offers a 24/7 crisis line, medical advocacy at hospitals, and free individual therapy for adult survivors in Cook County. Services are available to people of all genders. Call the crisis line at 312-443-9603 for immediate support or email info@ourresilience.org to learn about ongoing counseling services.

312-443-9603 · 180 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60601 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. YWCA Rockford - DV Services — Free

Provides domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for families in the Rockford area. The YWCA Rockford operates a 24-hour DV crisis line, confidential emergency shelter, and community-based support services for Winnebago County survivors. Court advocacy, safety planning, and transitional housing referrals are available. Call the 24-hour crisis line at 815-962-6102 to speak with a trained advocate.

815-962-6102 · 220 S Madison St, Rockford, IL 61104 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. A Safe Place (Lake County) — Free

Lake County domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing in the Waukegan area. A Safe Place serves survivors in Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion, and surrounding Lake County communities with a 24-hour crisis line and confidential shelter. Court accompaniment and safety planning are available. Call the crisis line at 847-249-4450 at any time to speak with a trained advocate.

847-249-4450 · 2710 N 17th St, Waukegan, IL 60087 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Guardian Angel Community Services (Joliet) — Free

Will County organization providing domestic violence shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and supportive housing for families in the Joliet area. Guardian Angel operates a 24-hour crisis line and confidential emergency shelter for DV survivors in Will County. Legal advocacy, safety planning, and children's programs are available. Call the 24-hour line at 815-729-1940 to speak with an advocate or learn about available services and shelter space.

815-729-1940 · 47 E Cass St, Joliet, IL 60432 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

16. Champaign County Courage Connection — Free

Domestic violence services provider offering shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs in the Champaign-Urbana area. Courage Connection operates a 24-hour crisis line and confidential emergency shelter for survivors in Champaign County. Court accompaniment, safety planning, and ongoing support services are available. Call the crisis line at 217-384-4462 at any time to reach a trained advocate and learn about next steps.

217-384-4462 · Champaign, IL 61820 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (Springfield) — Free

Central Illinois agency providing crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education for survivors of sexual assault in the Springfield area. Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault offers a 24-hour crisis line, medical advocacy at hospital emergency rooms, and free individual therapy for survivors. Services are available to all genders at no cost. Call the crisis line at 217-744-2560 to reach a trained advocate at any hour.

217-744-2560 · 3 W Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 207, Springfield, IL 62701 · 24/7 crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · 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.