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 Michigan

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 Michigan

Michigan family courts (a division of circuit court) handle custody and related matters in each of its 83 counties, with Friend of the Court offices providing investigation, mediation, and enforcement support specific to Michigan. The Office of Child Support runs statewide enforcement. Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, and Sterling Heights are the largest metros. Michigan Legal Help online self-help center is one of the most robust in the US.

16 Resources

1. Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence — Free

Statewide coalition based in Okemos coordinating Michigan's network of domestic and sexual violence shelters and programs. Provides training, policy advocacy, and referrals to local services. Not a direct crisis line; survivors in crisis should contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or a local Michigan shelter for shelter, safety planning, and advocacy in their county.

517-347-7000 · 3893 Okemos Rd, Suite B2, Okemos, MI 48864 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Michigan shelters and DV programs in over 200 languages. Serves all Michigan residents including survivors, family members, and friends. Callers can be anonymous. Advocates help with safety planning, identifying options, and connecting to shelters, legal help, and counseling in the caller's county or ZIP code.

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

3. HAVEN - Oakland County — Free

Comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault services in Oakland County including emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs at the Pontiac campus. Serves Oakland County survivors and their children. Intake is by calling the crisis line; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring what they can safely take, including medications and important documents.

248-334-1274 · 801 Vanguard Dr, Pontiac, MI 48341 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. YWCA West Central Michigan (Grand Rapids) — Free

Provides domestic violence shelter, transitional housing, support groups, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Serves Kent County and surrounding areas. Intake is through the crisis line; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring what they can safely take, including medications, children's items, and important documents when possible.

616-459-4652 · 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. SafeHouse Center (Ann Arbor) — Free

Washtenaw County domestic violence and sexual assault resource center offering emergency shelter, 24-hour helpline, counseling, legal advocacy, and youth programs. Serves Washtenaw County survivors and their children. Intake is through the crisis line; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates when safe.

734-995-5444 · 4100 Clark Rd, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. YWCA of Greater Flint - SafeHouse — Free

Operates the YWCA SafeHouse in Flint providing emergency shelter, crisis intervention, support groups, and advocacy for domestic violence survivors in Genesee County. Intake is through the crisis line; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates, court orders, and immigration papers when safe to do so.

810-238-7233 · 310 E Third St, Flint, MI 48502 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. EVE Inc. (End Violent Encounters) - Lansing — Free

Ingham County domestic violence program providing emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, personal protection order assistance, support groups, and children's services in Lansing. Intake is through the crisis line; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe to do so.

517-372-5572 · P.O. Box 14149, Lansing, MI 48901 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Michigan Legal Help - Domestic Violence — Free

Free online legal resource providing self-help tools, step-by-step interviews, court form preparation, and guidance for Michigan domestic violence survivors seeking personal protection orders, divorce, and custody. Serves survivors statewide. Users answer questions online and receive completed Michigan court forms to print, sign, and file with the appropriate circuit court clerk.

Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Wayne County SAFE (Detroit) — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis intervention, emergency shelter referrals, advocacy, and support services for survivors in Wayne County and greater Detroit. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to receive advocacy or shelter referrals and should bring medications and essential documents when safe to do so.

313-964-4357 · Detroit, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7

10. Shelter House (Saginaw/Midland) — Free

Provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors in Saginaw and Midland counties. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

989-399-9797 · Midland, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7 · Visit Website

11. LACASA Center (Livingston County) — Free

Comprehensive domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse services for Livingston County including crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy in Howell. Serves survivors and their children. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents when safe.

517-548-1350 · 2895 W Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Turning Point (Macomb County) — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault services for Macomb County including a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, and children's programs. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

586-463-6990 · Mount Clemens, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. AWARE Shelter (Jackson County) — Free

Domestic violence services for Jackson County including emergency shelter, crisis line, support groups, personal protection order assistance, and children's programs. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

517-783-2861 · Jackson, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7 · Visit Website

14. Women's Resource Center (Traverse City) — Free

Provides domestic violence services for the Grand Traverse region including emergency shelter, crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

231-941-1210 · Traverse City, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7 · Visit Website

15. YWCA Kalamazoo - DV Assistance Program — Free

Provides domestic violence support including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and children's programs for Kalamazoo-area survivors. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

269-385-3587 · 353 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence (Muskegon) — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault services for Muskegon County including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education. Shelter location is confidential for safety. Intake is through the crisis line 24/7; survivors do not need ID to enter shelter but should bring medications, children's essentials, and important documents such as birth certificates and court orders when safe.

231-726-4493 · Muskegon, MI (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7

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.