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 Maine

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 Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

16 Resources

1. Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors of domestic abuse to shelter, advocacy, legal help, and counseling at eight member programs across Maine. Fathers or family members experiencing abuse can call the 24/7 hotline at 866-834-4357 for safety planning and referrals. Staff connect callers to the nearest local provider for ongoing support. Services are free and confidential, with no immigration or income requirements.

866-834-4357 · 104 Sewall St, Augusta, ME 04330 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. Through These Doors – Portland — Free

Cumberland County domestic violence agency providing shelter, 24/7 crisis line, court advocacy, counseling, and children's services. Fathers, partners, and family members experiencing abuse can call 207-874-1973 at any hour for safety planning and resource connections. Services are free and confidential, and staff assist with protection from abuse filings, housing transitions, and ongoing support groups.

207-874-1973 · PO Box 537, Portland, ME 04112 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Spruce Run-Womancare – Bangor — Free

Domestic violence services for the greater Bangor area, including emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, court advocacy, support groups, and children's programming. Survivors and concerned family members can call 207-945-5102 any hour for help. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of gender. Staff assist with safety planning, protection from abuse orders, housing referrals, and connections to legal and medical resources.

207-945-5102 · PO Box 653, Bangor, ME 04402 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Safe Voices – Auburn — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services for Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. The 24/7 crisis line at 207-795-4020 connects survivors to shelter, safety planning, court accompaniment, and support groups. Services are free, confidential, and open to all genders. Staff assist with protection from abuse filings, housing and benefits navigation, and connections to counseling. No identification or insurance is required to receive help.

207-795-4020 · PO Box 713, Auburn, ME 04212 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Next Step DV Project – Ellsworth — Free

Domestic violence services for Hancock and Washington counties, including emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, court advocacy, and support groups. Survivors can call 207-667-0176 any time for help with safety planning, protection from abuse filings, and connections to housing, legal, and medical resources. Services are free and confidential. The project serves survivors of all genders and does not require identification or proof of income.

207-667-0176 · PO Box 1466, Ellsworth, ME 04605 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Hope and Justice Project – Augusta — Free

Domestic violence services for Kennebec and Somerset counties, offering emergency shelter, a 24/7 crisis line at 207-626-3402, court advocacy, support groups, and children's programming. Services are free, confidential, and open to survivors of all genders. Staff help with safety planning, protection from abuse orders, housing transitions, and benefits navigation. Walk-in appointments can be arranged by calling the crisis line.

207-626-3402 · Augusta, ME 04330 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. Caring Unlimited – Sanford — Free

York County domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line at 207-490-3227, court advocacy, counseling, and support groups. Services are free, confidential, and available to survivors of all genders, including fathers experiencing abuse. Staff assist with safety planning, protection from abuse filings, housing transitions, and referrals to legal and medical care. No identification or insurance is required to receive help.

207-490-3227 · PO Box 590, Sanford, ME 04073 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. National DV Hotline – Maine — Free

Free, confidential 24/7 national hotline connecting survivors and concerned family members to local resources in Maine and beyond. Fathers or loved ones experiencing abuse can call 800-799-7233 or chat online at thehotline.org any time. Advocates provide safety planning, emotional support, and warm handoffs to nearby shelters and legal aid. Services are multilingual, and no identification or insurance is required to use the line.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Aroostook Band of Micmacs – DV Services — Free

Culturally specific domestic violence services for tribal community members in northern Maine, including a 24/7 crisis line at 207-764-1972, advocacy, and connections to shelter. Services are free and confidential, and staff assist with safety planning, protection from abuse filings, and tribal court matters. Programs honor Indigenous traditions of healing and community support, and outreach covers Aroostook County and surrounding areas.

207-764-1972 · Presque Isle, ME 04769 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. New Hope for Women – Rockland — Free

Domestic violence services for Knox, Lincoln, and Waldo counties, offering emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line at 207-594-2128, court advocacy, counseling, and support groups. Services are free, confidential, and available to survivors of all genders. Staff help with safety planning, protection from abuse orders, housing referrals, and connections to legal and medical resources. No identification or insurance is required to receive help.

207-594-2128 · PO Box 642, Rockland, ME 04841 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

11. Partners for Peace – Biddeford — Free

Domestic violence advocacy, emergency shelter, and support services in southern Maine with a 24/7 crisis line at 207-282-0211. Staff assist survivors of all genders with safety planning, protection from abuse filings, court accompaniment, housing transitions, and support groups. Services are free and confidential. No identification or income documentation is required, and advocates can arrange language interpretation when needed.

207-282-0211 · PO Box 837, Biddeford, ME 04005 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. Penobscot Nation DV Services — Free

Domestic violence advocacy and support for Penobscot Nation tribal members and their families on Indian Island and in surrounding communities. Staff at 207-817-7498 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm help with safety planning, protection orders in tribal and state court, shelter referrals, and culturally grounded support. Services are free and confidential, and staff work alongside tribal health, law enforcement, and social services to coordinate care.

207-817-7498 · Indian Island, Old Town, ME 04468 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Immigrant Legal Advocacy – DV Protections — Free

Legal help for immigrant survivors of domestic violence in Maine, including assistance with U visa, VAWA self-petition, T visa, and asylum cases involving abuse. Fathers or partners can call 207-780-1593 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or visit the Portland office. Services are free and confidential. Staff work with DV agencies statewide and can help clients gather documentation, prepare declarations, and navigate interactions with immigration authorities.

207-780-1593 · 309 Cumberland Ave, Portland, ME 04101 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Sexual Assault Response Services – Portland — Free

Crisis support, advocacy, and counseling for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in southern Maine. The 24/7 hotline at 800-313-9900 provides confidential listening, safety planning, and accompaniment for hospital forensic exams and court hearings. Services are free and available to all genders. Staff can help survivors access emergency medical care, protection orders, and ongoing counseling connections.

800-313-9900 · Portland, ME 04101 · 24/7 hotline

15. Rape Response Services – Bangor — Free

Crisis intervention, advocacy, and accompaniment for survivors of sexual and domestic violence in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. The 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741 offers confidential listening, safety planning, and support during hospital and law enforcement interactions. Services are free and open to all genders. Staff also facilitate support groups, prevention education, and court accompaniment, with offices based in Bangor.

800-871-7741 · PO Box 2516, Bangor, ME 04402 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

16. Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault — Free

Statewide anti-sexual violence advocacy organization that supports member crisis centers, trains providers, and shapes policy. Survivors and concerned family members can call 207-626-0034 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or visit mecasa.org to find the nearest local crisis program. The coalition does not provide direct individual counseling but connects callers with confidential advocates covering all 16 Maine counties, free of charge.

207-626-0034 · 83 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 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.