Domestic Violence in Minnesota

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 Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

16 Resources

1. Day One Crisis Hotline — Free

Statewide 24/7 domestic violence crisis line providing safety planning, shelter placement, and referrals across Minnesota. Advocates help callers find openings at licensed DV shelters, create safety plans, and connect to legal and medical resources. Free and confidential; callers can remain anonymous. Serves survivors of any gender, and also helps concerned family members find the right resources.

866-223-1111 · 24/7

2. Cornerstone Advocacy Service — Free

Domestic violence shelter, legal advocacy, therapy, and safety planning for Dakota, Hennepin, and Scott county survivors from the Bloomington campus. Services include emergency housing, court accompaniment, and children's programs. Call the 24/7 crisis line; shelter intake screens for safety and program fit. Free services; bring photo ID and any court papers if available but not required.

952-884-0376 · 1000 E 80th St, Bloomington, MN 55420 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Home Free – Domestic Violence Program — Free

Abuse intervention, safety planning, and counseling programs serving both domestic violence survivors and individuals who have used abuse, based on the University Avenue SE office in Minneapolis. Offers court-approved Domestic Abuse Intervention classes. Call to enroll; bring photo ID and any court orders requiring program completion. Sliding fees; many services free.

612-788-6619 · 3036 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

4. Alexandra House — Free

Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and community support for domestic violence survivors in Anoka, Isanti, and Sherburne counties from the Blaine area office. 24/7 crisis line connects callers to shelter intake, safety planning, and legal help. Free services; bring photo ID if available but not required. Children welcome with their parent. Also offers support groups and transitional services.

763-780-2330 · PO Box 112, Blaine, MN 55449 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Violence Free Minnesota — Free

Statewide coalition of domestic violence programs connecting survivors to local shelters, advocacy, and legal help from the Plato Boulevard office in St. Paul. Staff can direct callers to the nearest member program or help find culturally specific services. Information line; not a 24/7 crisis hotline but refers to them. Free services; serves survivors, family members, and professionals statewide.

651-646-6177 · 60 E Plato Blvd #230, St. Paul, MN 55107 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Safe Haven Shelter for Women – Duluth — Free

Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups for domestic violence survivors in the Duluth and Arrowhead area. 24/7 crisis line connects callers to shelter intake, safety planning, and resource navigation. Free services; children welcome with their parent. Bring photo ID if available but not required. Also offers transitional housing and community advocacy services.

218-728-6481 · PO Box 16597, Duluth, MN 55816 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. National DV Hotline – Minnesota — Free

24/7 national domestic violence hotline providing safety planning, emotional support, and warm connections to Minnesota local shelters and advocacy programs. Free and confidential; available by phone, chat, and text. Advocates speak multiple languages through interpreter services. Appropriate for survivors, concerned family, and friends trying to help a loved one experiencing abuse.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Women's Advocates — Free

First domestic violence shelter in the nation, providing safe emergency housing, legal advocacy, and support groups for women and children in St. Paul from the Grand Avenue campus. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter intake and safety planning. Free services; bring photo ID and any court papers if available but not required. Serves Ramsey County and surrounding areas.

651-227-8284 · 588 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

9. Esperanza United — Free

Culturally specific domestic violence services for Latinx families in Minnesota including bilingual advocacy, legal help, and safety planning from the St. Paul headquarters. Staff speak Spanish and English and serve survivors across the state by phone and in person. Call during business hours for intake; free services, with referrals to 24/7 crisis lines for after-hours emergencies.

651-772-1611 · PO Box 75177, St. Paul, MN 55175 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women — Free

Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, and legal help for survivors in Blue Earth, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Sibley, and Waseca counties from the Mankato area. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter intake and safety planning. Free services; bring photo ID and court papers if available but not required. Children welcome with their parent. Also offers support groups and court accompaniment.

507-625-8688 · PO Box 3273, Mankato, MN 56002 · 24/7 crisis line

11. Someplace Safe — Free

Crisis shelter, advocacy, and services for domestic and sexual violence survivors in central and western Minnesota serving multiple counties with St. Cloud as a hub. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter intake and safety planning. Free services; children welcome with their parent. Bring photo ID if available but not required. Also provides legal advocacy, support groups, and community education.

320-253-6900 · PO Box 1494, St. Cloud, MN 56302 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. Rochester Women's Shelter — Free

Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups for domestic violence survivors in the Rochester and southeastern Minnesota area. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter intake and safety planning. Free services; children welcome with their parent. Bring photo ID if available but not required. Serves Olmsted and surrounding counties with court accompaniment and transitional services.

507-285-1010 · PO Box 457, Rochester, MN 55903 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

13. Abuse Intervention Project – Duluth — Free

Pioneer domestic violence intervention program using the internationally recognized Duluth Model, based on East Superior Street. Offers court-approved batterers intervention classes, training for professionals, and victim advocacy coordination. Call or walk in to enroll; bring photo ID and any court orders requiring class completion. Fees may apply for court-ordered participants; scholarships available.

218-722-2781 · 202 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Hands of Hope Resource Center — Free

Domestic and sexual violence services for families in Rice and Steele counties from the Faribault area. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter referral and safety planning. Free services including legal advocacy, support groups, and court accompaniment. Bring photo ID and any court papers if available but not required. Children welcome with their parent in emergency services.

507-332-0882 · PO Box 512, Faribault, MN 55021 · 24/7 crisis line

15. Commission on the Deaf – DV Resources — Free

Accessible domestic violence resources for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans from the state office in St. Paul. Offers interpreters, communication access, and referrals to DV programs statewide. Contact by videophone, TTY, or voice. Free services; serves survivors and family members. Works with local shelters to ensure accessibility at intake and during shelter stays.

800-657-3929 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. Standpoint – Brooklyn Park — Free

Domestic violence crisis services, shelter, legal advocacy, and prevention programs for the northwest Twin Cities metro, with administrative offices in Osseo. 24/7 crisis line handles shelter intake and safety planning. Free services; bring photo ID and court papers if available but not required. Children welcome with their parent. Also provides support groups and court accompaniment.

763-560-0600 · PO Box 610, Osseo, MN 55369 · 24/7 crisis line · 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.