Metropolitan Family Services (DV Programs)

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.

More Domestic Violence in Illinois

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — Federally funded 24/7 hotline offering crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local DV programs nationwide. Trained advocate
• Life Span (Chicago) — Provides free legal representation, counseling, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in the Chic
• Between Friends Chicago — Chicago-based organization offering a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education for domes
• Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) — Statewide coalition coordinating over 50 member organizations providing shelter, legal aid, and advocacy for DV survivors across Illinois. I
• Family Rescue (Chicago) — Serves Chicago's south side with emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for DV survivo
• Illinois Order of Protection Information — Illinois courts offer civil Orders of Protection under the Domestic Violence Act. Any family or household member can petition for protection

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.