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 Maryland

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 Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

14 Resources

1. Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence services across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions. Operates the Maryland DV Hotline connecting survivors to local programs and provides training, technical assistance, and public policy advocacy. Maintains a directory of shelters, legal advocacy programs, and counseling services. Survivors can call the hotline or visit the website to find nearby help; all referrals are confidential and free, with no documentation or insurance required to receive services.

301-429-3601 · 4601 Presidents Dr, Suite 370, Lanham, MD 20706 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline offering crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Maryland domestic violence programs. Available by phone, text, and online chat in more than 200 languages. Advocates help survivors assess safety, plan next steps, and connect with shelters, legal advocacy, and counseling near their Maryland ZIP code. Free and confidential; callers do not need to provide ID or insurance. The hotline also serves friends and family members of survivors.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all MD residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. House of Ruth Maryland (Baltimore) — Free

Baltimore's leading domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal services, counseling for adults and children, and a 24-hour hotline for survivors across central Maryland. Services are free and confidential; survivors can self-refer by calling the hotline. Walk-in legal intake is also available. Bring photo ID if possible and any court papers, but services are not denied for lack of documentation. Serves all survivors regardless of gender.

410-889-0840 · 2201 Argonne Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218 · 24-hour hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Family Crisis Center of PG County — Free

Serves Prince George's County domestic violence and sexual assault survivors with emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs. Operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and accepts self-referrals from survivors as well as referrals from law enforcement and hospitals. Services are free and confidential; shelter location is kept secret for safety. Survivors can bring photo ID and any protective order paperwork if available, but services are provided regardless.

301-731-1203 · PG County, MD (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. LifeBridge Health - Center for Hope (Baltimore) — Free

Comprehensive services for Baltimore-area survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse, including counseling, forensic nursing, legal advocacy, case management, and a 24/7 hotline. Located on the Sinai Hospital campus, with services free and confidential regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Survivors can walk in or call the hotline; bring photo ID if available, though services are provided regardless. Serves all ages and gender identities.

410-601-4357 · 2401 W Belvedere Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215 · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. People's Law Library - Domestic Violence — Free

Free online legal resource from the Maryland State Law Library with self-help guides for survivors seeking Maryland protective orders, peace orders, and related legal remedies. Articles explain eligibility, court filing procedures, and what to expect at hearings, with links to official Maryland Judiciary forms. Available to any Maryland resident 24/7 online. Not a substitute for legal advice; survivors with complex cases are referred to Maryland Legal Aid, MVLS, or a domestic violence program's legal advocate.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Heartly House (Frederick) — Free

Frederick County agency providing 24-hour crisis services, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Serves residents of Frederick County and surrounding areas regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. All services are free and confidential; the shelter location is undisclosed for safety. Survivors can self-refer by calling the 24-hour hotline; law enforcement and hospital referrals are also accepted.

301-662-8800 · Frederick, MD (confidential location) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

8. YWCA Annapolis & Anne Arundel County - DV Services — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups for survivors in the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County area. Operates a 24-hour hotline; shelter location is confidential for safety. Services are free and open to survivors regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer by calling the hotline, and law enforcement or hospital referrals are also accepted.

410-626-7800 · Annapolis, MD (confidential shelter) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

9. For All Seasons (Eastern Shore) — Free

Eastern Shore mental health and rape crisis/domestic violence agency serving survivors across Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, and Queen Anne's counties with counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and psychiatric care. Operates a 24/7 hotline. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay through a sliding-scale fee and Medicaid/Medicare acceptance. Survivors can call for intake or walk in during business hours; bring photo ID and insurance if available, but services are not denied for lack of documentation.

410-822-1018 · 300 Talbot St, Easton, MD 21601 · 24/7 hotline; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. The Community of Hope (Hagerstown) — Free

Washington County domestic violence program providing 24-hour crisis services, safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for survivors and their families. Shelter location is confidential for safety. All services are free and open regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer by calling the 24-hour hotline, and law enforcement and hospital referrals are also accepted. Staff help with safety planning and applying for protective orders.

301-739-4990 · Hagerstown, MD (confidential location) · 24/7 hotline

11. Dove Center (Harford County) — Free

Harford County domestic violence and sexual assault agency providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, hospital accompaniment, and children's services for survivors. Operates a 24-hour hotline; shelter location is kept confidential for survivor safety. Services are free regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer by calling the hotline; law enforcement, hospital, and community referrals are also welcome. Staff assist with protective order filings and safety planning.

410-836-8430 · Harford County, MD (confidential location) · 24/7 hotline

12. Cecil County Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis Center — Free

Serves Cecil County survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with emergency shelter, counseling, hospital accompaniment, legal advocacy, and 24-hour crisis intervention. Shelter location is confidential to protect survivors. Services are free and available regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer through the 24-hour hotline; law enforcement and hospital referrals are also accepted. Advocates help with protective orders, safety planning, and court accompaniment.

410-996-0333 · Cecil County, MD (confidential location) · 24/7 hotline

13. TurnAround Inc (Baltimore/Anne Arundel) — Free

Provides crisis services, counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and prevention education for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County. Operates a 24-hour hotline; shelter location is confidential for safety. Services are free regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer by calling the hotline; law enforcement, school, and hospital referrals are also accepted. Counseling is offered in English and Spanish.

443-279-0379 · 401 E Fayette St, Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21202 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

14. Safe Steps (Charles County) — Free

Charles County domestic violence agency providing 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for survivors and their families. Shelter location is confidential to protect survivors. Services are free and open regardless of gender, immigration status, or ability to pay. Survivors can self-refer through the 24-hour hotline; law enforcement and hospital referrals are also accepted. Advocates help with safety planning, protective orders, and court accompaniment.

301-645-8994 · Charles County, MD (confidential location) · 24/7 hotline

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.