Domestic Violence in Iowa

16 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 Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

16 Resources

1. Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence to local shelters, advocacy, and support services across Iowa. Trained advocates answer the 24/7 hotline and can arrange shelter placement, safety planning, and legal referrals. Fathers who are victims, as well as those seeking help for loved ones, can call any time. Services are free and confidential. Main office in Des Moines with member programs statewide.

800-942-0333 · 515 28th St #106, Des Moines, IA 50312 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. Waypoint – Cedar Rapids — Free

Nonprofit providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors in Cedar Rapids and Linn County. Services include safety planning, protective order help, and long-term case management. The 24/7 crisis line is answered by trained advocates. Services are free and confidential. Men and women accepted; accommodations for children available. Also offers homeless services and housing programs.

319-365-1458 · 318 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Family Resources – Quad Cities — Free

Nonprofit providing domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for survivors in Davenport and the Iowa-side Quad Cities. The 24/7 crisis line connects callers to advocates for safety planning, protective orders, and shelter placement. Services are free and confidential, with support available for fathers, mothers, and children. Also offers sexual assault response and prevention programs region-wide.

563-326-9191 · 321 E 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Council Against Domestic Abuse – Sioux City — Free

Shelter and domestic violence services for survivors in Sioux City and surrounding Woodbury County. Offers emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy, and protective order assistance. Fathers who are victims and their children are welcome; intake advocates coordinate transportation and entry. All services are free and confidential. Interstate coordination available for survivors crossing into Nebraska or South Dakota.

712-258-7233 · PO Box 1565, Sioux City, IA 51102 · 24/7 crisis line

5. Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Iowa City — Free

Johnson County nonprofit offering emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, children's services, and counseling for domestic violence survivors in Iowa City and surrounding communities. Advocates help with protective orders, safety planning, and court accompaniment. Services are free and confidential for fathers, mothers, and families of all backgrounds. Also runs prevention education in schools and community settings region-wide.

319-351-1043 · PO Box 3170, Iowa City, IA 52244 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Seeds of Hope – Waterloo — Free

Domestic violence program serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and the Cedar Valley with 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, and survivor advocacy. Trained advocates help with safety planning, protective orders, and court accompaniment. Fathers who are victims and their children may access shelter with intake screening. All services are free and confidential. Administered in partnership with Cedar Valley United Way and connected to regional shelters.

319-272-2580 · Waterloo, IA 50703 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. National DV Hotline – Iowa — Free

Free 24/7 national hotline connecting callers in Iowa to local shelters, advocacy programs, and safety-planning resources. Trained advocates answer calls, texts, and online chats in multiple languages. Fathers who are victims, or those worried about a loved one, can call anytime without giving identifying information. The hotline coordinates with Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence member programs to arrange local services.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center – Mason City — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services for north central Iowa residents including Cerro Gordo and surrounding rural counties. The 24/7 crisis line connects survivors to safety planning, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and protective order assistance. Services are free and confidential. Fathers who are victims along with their children may access shelter following intake screening. Prevention education also offered to local schools and groups.

641-424-9071 · PO Box 773, Mason City, IA 50402 · 24/7 crisis line

9. Riverview Center – Dubuque — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault services for northeast Iowa including Dubuque, Clayton, Delaware, and Jackson counties. Offers 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. Advocates assist with protective orders, safety planning, and court accompaniment. Services are free and confidential, welcoming survivors of any gender and their children. Coordinates with medical and law enforcement partners for forensic response.

563-557-0310 · 2600 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA 52003 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. ACCESS – Ames — Free

Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Ames, Story County, and nearby communities. 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy are offered at no cost. Advocates help with protective orders, medical accompaniment, and safety planning. Fathers who are victims and their children are welcome. Services are confidential and culturally responsive across central Iowa.

515-292-0500 · Ames, IA 50010 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

11. Phoenix House – Council Bluffs — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy program serving Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa with 24/7 crisis line, emergency housing, and support services. Advocates assist with safety planning, protective orders, and court accompaniment. Fathers who are victims, as well as mothers and children, are welcome. All services are free and confidential. Also provides follow-up case management and community education in Pottawattamie and neighboring counties.

712-328-0266 · Council Bluffs, IA 51501 · 24/7 crisis line

12. Helping Services for Youth & Families – Ottumwa — Free

Domestic violence services, youth programs, and family support for southeast Iowa residents. The 24/7 crisis line connects survivors to shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling. Services include protective order help, court accompaniment, and safety planning. Fathers who are victims and their children are welcome. All direct services are free and confidential. Also offers youth substance abuse prevention and mentoring in Wapello and neighboring counties.

641-683-3613 · 312 E 2nd St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

13. YWCA of Fort Dodge – DV Services — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy program at the Fort Dodge YWCA serving Webster County and north central Iowa. Provides 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy including protective order assistance. Services are free and confidential. Fathers who are victims and their children may access shelter with intake screening. Also offers youth programs and women's empowerment initiatives at the 1st Avenue North location.

515-573-3931 · 826 1st Ave N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 · 24/7 crisis line

14. Family Crisis Centers – Sioux Center — Free

Domestic violence services and shelter for northwest Iowa counties operated from the Sioux Center office. The 24/7 crisis line connects survivors to advocacy, emergency housing, and legal support including protective orders. Services are free and confidential. Fathers who are victims and their children are welcome after intake screening. Also offers community prevention education and sexual assault response across rural northwest Iowa.

712-722-4483 · PO Box 295, Sioux Center, IA 51250 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

15. Iowa Attorney General – Crime Victim Assistance — Free

State program providing financial assistance and advocacy for Iowans victimized by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. Compensation may cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs not paid by insurance. Fathers who are victims can apply online or by mail with a police report and receipts. The office also helps with victim notification and rights. Free service administered from the Des Moines attorney general office statewide.

515-281-5044 · 1305 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50319 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders – Iowa — Free

Culturally specific domestic violence and sexual assault services for Asian and Pacific Islander communities across Iowa, with a focus on language-appropriate advocacy and outreach. Services include crisis support, safety planning, and interpreter-assisted court accompaniment. Fathers who are victims and families are welcome. All direct services are free and confidential. Based in Des Moines with outreach to immigrant communities statewide.

515-288-0881 · Des Moines, IA 50309 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.