ACCESS – Ames

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.

More Domestic Violence in Iowa

• Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Statewide network connecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence to local shelters, advocacy, and support services across Iowa. Traine
• Waypoint – Cedar Rapids — Nonprofit providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors in Cedar Rapids a
• Family Resources – Quad Cities — Nonprofit providing domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for survivors in Davenport and the Iowa-s
• Council Against Domestic Abuse – Sioux City — Shelter and domestic violence services for survivors in Sioux City and surrounding Woodbury County. Offers emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis li
• Domestic Violence Intervention Program – Iowa City — Johnson County nonprofit offering emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, children's services, and counseling for domestic viol
• Seeds of Hope – Waterloo — Domestic violence program serving Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and the Cedar Valley with 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, and survivor advocac

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.