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 Kentucky

14 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 Kentucky

Kentucky family courts hear custody, visitation, and child support cases in most counties; the remaining counties use district or circuit court. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Child Support administers enforcement. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Covington are the major metros. Legal Aid Society (Louisville/western), Kentucky Legal Aid, and Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalReD) cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network coordinating domestic violence programs, shelters, and advocacy services across Kentucky. Survivors and concerned fathers can be connected to local shelters, legal advocates, and counseling programs through the Frankfort office. Call the main number or visit the website for a map of member programs. Services through member agencies are typically free for survivors. Confidential referrals available during business hours.

502-209-5382 · 111 Darby Shire Cir, Frankfort, KY 40601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Center for Women & Families – Louisville — Free

Shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and long-term support for domestic violence survivors and their children in the Louisville area. Fathers who are survivors or concerned about a family member can call the 24/7 crisis line for safety planning and referrals. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Walk-in assistance and court advocacy are available through intake staff. Bring photo ID when possible, but not required in crisis.

502-581-7222 · PO Box 2048, Louisville, KY 40201 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Greenhouse17 – Lexington — Free

Emergency shelter, crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors across the 17-county Bluegrass region. Fathers can call the 24/7 crisis line for themselves or a loved one, or seek referrals for protective orders and safe housing. Services are free and confidential for survivors. Location is kept confidential; intake is handled through the crisis line and advocacy staff. No ID is required in crisis situations.

859-255-9808 · PO Box 454, Lexington, KY 40588 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Women's Crisis Center – Northern KY — Free

Shelter, crisis line, legal advocacy, and counseling for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors across northern Kentucky. Services are available around the clock and are free for survivors. Fathers can call the crisis line for themselves, their children, or a loved one in danger. Shelter intake is arranged through the 24/7 line; location is kept confidential. Court advocates assist with protective orders in area family courts.

859-491-3335 · PO Box 17836, Covington, KY 41017 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Bethany House – Louisville — Free

Emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors and their children in the Louisville area. Offers safe housing, basic needs, and advocacy for survivors leaving dangerous home situations. Fathers can call the 24/7 crisis line to arrange shelter for a family member or access referrals to safety planning services. Intake is handled confidentially by phone; shelter location is not public. Services are free for qualifying survivors.

502-452-6341 · PO Box 5207, Louisville, KY 40255 · 24/7 crisis line

6. BRASS Inc. – Bowling Green — Free

Domestic violence shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and support services for survivors in Bowling Green and south central Kentucky. Fathers can call the crisis line for themselves, a partner, or a family member in danger and be connected to safety planning and legal advocacy. Services are free and confidential for survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential; intake and court advocacy are arranged through the crisis line.

270-843-1183 · PO Box 1433, Bowling Green, KY 42102 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. Safe Harbor – Owensboro — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for survivors and their children in the Owensboro area and western Kentucky. Offers 24/7 crisis line, safe housing, counseling, and court advocacy for protective orders. Fathers can call on behalf of themselves or a loved one in danger. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential; intake is handled through the crisis line. No ID required in crisis.

270-685-0260 · PO Box 212, Owensboro, KY 42302 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. National DV Hotline – Kentucky — Free

24/7 national domestic violence hotline connecting callers in Kentucky to local shelters, legal advocates, and safety planning services. Fathers can call for themselves, a partner, a child, or another family member in danger. Advocates are trained to help with immediate safety and long-term options. Interpreters are available. Calls are confidential and free. The hotline also offers secure chat through its website for callers who cannot speak safely.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Kentucky River Foothills – DV Services — Free

Community action agency providing domestic violence shelter, crisis line, and advocacy for eastern Kentucky communities. Fathers can call the 24/7 line for safety planning, protective order assistance, and referrals for themselves or a loved one. Services are free and confidential for survivors. Shelter intake is arranged through the crisis line, and the location is kept confidential. No identification is required during crisis situations.

606-986-7688 · 30 Bobby Dr, Berea, KY 40403 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. Sanctuary Inc. – Hopkinsville — Free

Domestic violence shelter, crisis line, and advocacy services for survivors across the Pennyrile region of western Kentucky. Offers emergency shelter, counseling, and help obtaining protective orders. Fathers can call the 24/7 line for themselves or a loved one in danger. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential; intake is handled through the crisis line. No ID required to access emergency services.

270-886-4001 · PO Box 421, Hopkinsville, KY 42241 · 24/7 crisis line

11. Spring Valley – Morehead — Free

Domestic violence shelter and crisis services covering northeastern Kentucky communities from the Morehead area. Offers 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers can call on behalf of themselves or a family member in danger. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential. Intake and protective order advocacy are arranged through the crisis line.

606-784-6880 · PO Box 302, Morehead, KY 40351 · 24/7 crisis line

12. Bethany House Abuse Shelter – Pikeville — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for the Pike County area and surrounding eastern Kentucky communities. Offers emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, and help obtaining protective orders. Fathers can call on behalf of themselves or a family member. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential; intake and court advocacy are handled by phone. No identification required in crisis.

606-432-2774 · PO Box 864, Pikeville, KY 41502 · 24/7 crisis line

13. Purchase Area Spouse Abuse Center — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services covering the Purchase District of far western Kentucky, operated as Merryman House. Offers 24/7 crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers can call for themselves or a loved one in danger. Services are free and confidential for qualifying survivors. Shelter location is kept confidential; intake is arranged through the crisis line. Legal advocates help with protective orders.

270-443-6001 · PO Box 98, Paducah, KY 42002 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

14. The Nest – Lexington — Paid

Supervised visitation and safe exchange center serving families with a history of domestic violence, high conflict, or safety concerns in the Lexington area. Fathers can schedule monitored visits and neutral child exchanges to comply with court orders and maintain relationships with their children. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale. Call to arrange an intake by appointment. Bring photo ID and any existing court orders relating to visitation.

859-255-3700 · 517 S Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508 · Mon-Sat by appointment · 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.