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 Louisiana

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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

15 Resources

1. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network coordinating Louisiana's domestic violence shelters, hotlines, and advocacy services. Helps fathers and all survivors locate safe shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling in their parish. Call 225-752-1296 weekdays or visit lcadv.org for regional member programs. Also supports policy advocacy and training. Useful entry point to connect with the closest certified DV program across Louisiana.

225-752-1296 · PO Box 77308, Baton Rouge, LA 70879 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Crescent House – New Orleans — Free

Emergency shelter, advocacy, and comprehensive domestic violence services for survivors and their children in the New Orleans area. Services include safety planning, legal advocacy, and counseling. 24/7 crisis line at 504-866-9554. Mailing address PO Box 8552 New Orleans. Confidential intake; bring photo ID if available but services provided regardless. Male survivors can access services and referrals through the hotline.

504-866-9554 · PO Box 8552, New Orleans, LA 70182 · 24/7 crisis line

3. Iris Domestic Violence Center – Baton Rouge — Free

Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and crisis services for domestic violence survivors in the Baton Rouge area. Serves adults and children regardless of gender. 24/7 crisis line at 225-389-3001. Safety planning, protective order help, and transitional support available. Mailing PO Box 64437 Baton Rouge. Confidential intake; services provided free of charge to survivors and their children.

225-389-3001 · PO Box 64437, Baton Rouge, LA 70896 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Shreveport-Bossier Family Justice Center — Free

One-stop multi-agency center providing domestic violence services including legal advocacy, law enforcement liaison, civil protective order help, counseling, and safety planning in northwest Louisiana. Serves all survivors including fathers. Call 318-226-1777 or visit 401 Lake Street in Shreveport weekdays. Bring photo ID if available; services free and confidential. Useful single point of entry for multiple DV-related needs.

318-226-1777 · 401 Lake St, Shreveport, LA 71101 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Faith House – Lafayette — Free

Emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and crisis services for domestic violence survivors and their children in the Acadiana region. 24/7 crisis line at 337-232-8954. Safety planning, legal advocacy, and transitional support available. Mailing PO Box 93145 Lafayette. Services confidential and free to survivors regardless of gender. Male survivors can access hotline support and appropriate referrals across partner providers.

337-232-8954 · PO Box 93145, Lafayette, LA 70509 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Safe Harbor – Lake Charles — Free

Domestic violence shelter, crisis services, and advocacy for survivors and their children in southwest Louisiana. Services include safety planning, legal advocacy, and counseling regardless of survivor gender. 24/7 crisis line at 337-436-4552. Mailing PO Box 1098 Lake Charles. Confidential intake; services free to survivors. Useful primary resource for DV emergencies and sustained support in Calcasieu and surrounding parishes.

337-436-4552 · PO Box 1098, Lake Charles, LA 70602 · 24/7 crisis line

7. Metropolitan Center for Women & Children — Free

Domestic violence services including legal aid, counseling, advocacy, and shelter referrals for survivors and their children in Jefferson Parish and the greater New Orleans area. 24/7 crisis line at 504-837-5400. Safety planning and protective order assistance available. Mailing PO Box 7596 Metairie. Services confidential and free; male survivors can access hotline support and appropriate referrals for their situation.

504-837-5400 · PO Box 7596, Metairie, LA 70010 · 24/7 crisis line

8. National DV Hotline – Louisiana — Free

Free confidential 24/7 national hotline connecting Louisiana survivors of any gender to local shelters, safety planning, and advocacy services. Trained advocates help fathers, partners, and children access appropriate parish-level resources. Call 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for chat support. No intake paperwork or insurance needed; available to callers regardless of status, residency, or financial situation.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Chez Hope – Houma — Free

Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, and crisis services for survivors and their children in the Houma-Thibodaux area and surrounding Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. 24/7 crisis line at 985-853-0045. Services include safety planning, legal advocacy, and counseling regardless of survivor gender. Mailing PO Box 2428 Houma. Confidential and free; male survivors can access hotline support and appropriate referrals to partner programs.

985-853-0045 · PO Box 2428, Houma, LA 70361 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. Wellspring Alliance for Families – Shreveport — Free

Counseling, advocacy, safety planning, and support services for domestic violence survivors and families in northwest Louisiana. Provides individual and family therapy, legal accompaniment, and community education. Call 318-865-2084 or visit 401 Travis Street in Shreveport weekdays. Services on sliding fee scale with some free advocacy. Useful for ongoing support alongside emergency shelter programs in the Shreveport-Bossier region.

318-865-2084 · 401 Travis St, Shreveport, LA 71101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Oasis – A Safe Haven – Monroe — Free

Domestic violence shelter, crisis services, and advocacy for survivors and their children in northeast Louisiana including the Monroe region. 24/7 crisis line at 318-323-1505. Safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, and transitional housing support available regardless of survivor gender. Mailing PO Box 1282 West Monroe. Services free and confidential; male survivors can access the hotline and appropriate referrals.

318-323-1505 · PO Box 1282, West Monroe, LA 71294 · 24/7 crisis line

12. Project Save – Slidell — Free

Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, and crisis services for St. Tammany Parish survivors and their children. 24/7 crisis line at 985-643-1914. Services include safety planning, legal advocacy, protective order help, and counseling regardless of survivor gender. Mailing PO Box 2015 Slidell. Services free and confidential to survivors; male survivors can access the hotline for support and appropriate referrals.

985-643-1914 · PO Box 2015, Slidell, LA 70459 · 24/7 crisis line

13. New Orleans Family Justice Center — Free

Multi-agency one-stop center providing domestic violence services including legal aid, counseling, safety planning, law enforcement liaison, and civil protective order help in the New Orleans area. Serves survivors regardless of gender. Call 504-866-9554 or visit 701 Loyola Avenue Suite 201 weekdays. Bring photo ID if available; services confidential and free. Useful single point of entry for multiple DV-related needs.

504-866-9554 · 701 Loyola Ave #201, New Orleans, LA 70113 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

14. Gingerbread House – Alexandria — Free

Child advocacy center providing forensic interviews, child-focused advocacy, and coordinated response services for child abuse and family violence cases in central Louisiana. Works with fathers, families, and investigating agencies. Call 318-473-2399 or visit 1705 Jackson Street in Alexandria weekdays. Services free and focused on the needs of child victims and their protective caregivers, including non-offending fathers.

318-473-2399 · 1705 Jackson St, Alexandria, LA 71301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Safety Net for Abused Persons – Hammond — Free

Domestic violence shelter, crisis services, and advocacy for survivors and their children in Tangipahoa Parish and surrounding areas. 24/7 crisis line at 985-542-8384. Services include safety planning, legal advocacy, and counseling regardless of survivor gender. Mailing PO Box 567 Hammond. Services free and confidential; male survivors can access the hotline for support and referrals to appropriate regional resources.

985-542-8384 · PO Box 567, Hammond, LA 70404 · 24/7 crisis line

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.