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 Indiana

15 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 Indiana

Indiana superior and circuit courts hear family matters in all 92 counties, with some counties operating dedicated domestic relations divisions. The Child Support Bureau operates under DCS. Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend are the largest metros. Indiana Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

15 Resources

1. Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating DV services across Indiana and providing training, advocacy, and referrals to local programs in all 92 counties. Dads experiencing domestic violence, or seeking help for a family member, can call the office for referrals to the nearest local shelter, legal advocacy, and crisis services. The coalition does not provide direct services but connects callers to trusted local member programs.

317-917-3685 · 1915 W 18th St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Indiana programs in 200+ languages via live interpretation. Trained advocates help callers of any gender, including dads, assess safety, plan next steps, and find local shelters, legal advocacy, and counseling. Calls can be anonymous. Text START to 88788 or chat online at thehotline.org for alternative ways to reach an advocate.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all IN residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Julian Center (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis' primary DV agency providing emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs since 1975. Serves survivors of any gender in Marion County. Dads and their kids experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter.

317-920-9320 · 2011 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. YWCA of Greater Lafayette - DV Services — Free

Provides emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, support groups, and legal advocacy for DV survivors in Lafayette and Tippecanoe County. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line for safety planning and shelter referrals. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody orders, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All services are free and confidential to survivors.

765-742-0075 · 605 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN 47901 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. YWCA of Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne) — Free

Serves DV survivors in Fort Wayne and Allen County with emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

260-422-4546 · 2115 W Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Center for Women and Families (South Bend) — Free

Serves DV survivors in St. Joseph County with emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and children's programs. Despite the name, services are open to survivors of any gender, including dads and male partners. Call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free.

574-234-6363 · 120 S Taylor St, South Bend, IN 46601 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Albion Fellows Bacon Center (Evansville) — Free

Southwestern Indiana DV agency providing emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and children's programs in the Evansville area. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter referrals. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

812-422-9372 · P.O. Box 3164, Evansville, IN 47730 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Middle Way House (Bloomington) — Free

Bloomington DV shelter providing emergency housing, a 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, and transitional programs for survivors in Monroe County. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

812-336-0846 · 338 S Washington St, Bloomington, IN 47401 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Haven House (Jeffersonville) — Free

Southern Indiana DV agency providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and support services for survivors in Clark and Floyd counties. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse in the Louisville metro area of southern Indiana can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter.

812-283-8641 · Jeffersonville, IN 47130 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

10. Turning Point DV Services (Muncie) — Free

Serves east-central Indiana with emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling, and legal advocacy for DV survivors in Delaware County and surrounding areas. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All services are free.

765-747-9107 · Muncie, IN 47305 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Caring Place (Valparaiso) — Free

Porter County DV agency providing emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for northwest Indiana survivors. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

219-464-2128 · Valparaiso, IN 46383 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. YWCA of Evansville — Free

Serves DV survivors in the Evansville area with crisis services, support groups, and empowerment programs. Works alongside Albion Fellows Bacon Center as part of the southwestern Indiana DV network. Dads and families can access support groups and referrals to shelter and legal advocacy. Call or visit the Vine Street office for intake. Bring a photo ID and any court orders or protective orders. Services are free and confidential.

812-422-1191 · 118 Vine St, Evansville, IN 47708 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Hands of Hope (Terre Haute) — Free

Provides DV services in Vigo County, including emergency shelter, crisis intervention, support groups, and children's programs. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads in western Indiana experiencing abuse can call the crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

812-232-1736 · Terre Haute, IN 47807 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Family Service Association of Howard County (Kokomo) — Free

Serves Kokomo and Howard County with DV services including emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and protective order assistance. Serves survivors of any gender. Dads experiencing abuse can call the 24/7 crisis line any time for safety planning and shelter options. Bring what you can safely carry (photo ID, medications, custody papers, birth certificates) when entering shelter. All direct services are free and confidential.

765-453-3648 · Kokomo, IN 46901 · 24-hour crisis line

15. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center (Indianapolis) — Free

Indianapolis nonprofit providing crisis intervention, case management, and support for DV and sexual assault survivors. Serves survivors of any gender alongside partner agencies. Dads seeking help can call or visit the west-side office for safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to shelter, counseling, and legal aid. Bring a photo ID and any existing court orders or protective orders to intake. Direct services are free.

317-731-6140 · 3501 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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.