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 Mississippi

9 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 Mississippi

Mississippi chancery courts handle divorce and custody in all 82 counties, with county courts handling some child support matters. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under MDHS. Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg are the largest cities. Mississippi Center for Justice and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services provide civil legal aid for low-income fathers.

9 Resources

1. Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network coordinating Mississippi's domestic violence shelters, hotlines, and advocacy services. Administrative office at PO Box 4703 in Jackson; 24/7 hotline available statewide. Fathers, partners, or family members seeking safety or supporting a survivor can call for shelter placement, safety planning, and legal advocacy referrals. Hotline staff can connect callers to the nearest local program and explain shelter intake.

800-898-3234 · PO Box 4703, Jackson, MS 39296 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. Catholic Charities – Jackson DV Services — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services through Catholic Charities of Jackson, serving survivors and their children in central Mississippi. Office at 200 N Congress St; 24/7 crisis line available. Services may include emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, and referrals. Fathers helping a family member, or male survivors seeking help, can call the crisis line any time. Services are open regardless of faith background.

601-355-8634 · 200 N Congress St, Jackson, MS 39201 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Gulf Coast Women's Center — Free

Domestic violence shelter and support services for survivors and their children on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Administrative mailing address PO Box 333 in Biloxi; 24/7 crisis line available. Services may include emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, counseling, and court accompaniment. Fathers supporting a family member in crisis can call the crisis line for information and referrals. Services are confidential and no-cost.

228-436-3809 · PO Box 333, Biloxi, MS 39533 · 24/7 crisis line

4. S.A.F.E. Inc. – Columbus — Free

Domestic violence shelter and support agency serving Columbus and northeast Mississippi survivors and their children. Mailing address PO Box 1923 in Columbus; 24/7 crisis line available. Services may include emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers supporting a family member in crisis can call the crisis line any time for information and referrals. Services are confidential and offered at no cost.

662-327-6969 · PO Box 1923, Columbus, MS 39703 · 24/7 crisis line

5. Domestic Abuse Family Shelter – Tupelo — Free

Emergency shelter and advocacy services for domestic violence survivors and their children in Tupelo and the surrounding northeast Mississippi region. Mailing address PO Box 1823 in Tupelo; 24/7 crisis line available. Services may include shelter, safety planning, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers supporting a family member in crisis can call the crisis line any time for guidance and local referrals. All services are confidential.

662-841-2273 · PO Box 1823, Tupelo, MS 38802 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Care Lodge – Meridian — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy organization serving Meridian and east Mississippi survivors and their children. Mailing address PO Box 5765 in Meridian; 24/7 crisis line available. Services may include emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers supporting a partner, family member, or friend in crisis can call the crisis line any time. All services are confidential and provided at no cost.

601-693-4673 · PO Box 5765, Meridian, MS 39302 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. National DV Hotline – Mississippi — Free

National domestic violence hotline with trained advocates available 24/7 to callers anywhere in Mississippi. Phone and online chat connect survivors with confidential safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local shelters, legal aid, and counseling. Fathers, partners, and family members can call on behalf of a loved one. No name or personal information is required, and the service is free from any phone line in the state.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. The Salvation Army DV Services – Jackson — Free

Emergency shelter and support services for domestic violence survivors in central Mississippi through The Salvation Army. Located at 110 Presto Ln in Jackson and staffed 24/7. Services may include emergency shelter, case management, and referrals to counseling, legal aid, and housing resources. Fathers supporting a family member in crisis can call any time. Services are confidential and typically free for eligible survivors.

601-969-7560 · 110 Presto Ln, Jackson, MS 39206 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Mississippi AG Victim Assistance — Free

Victim assistance program through the Mississippi Attorney General's office offering advocacy, information, and referrals for victims of domestic violence and other crimes statewide. Office at 450 High St in Jackson, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Fathers who are victims, or supporting a victim, can call for guidance on protective orders, victim compensation applications, and referrals to local programs. Bring photo ID and any case paperwork.

601-359-3680 · 450 High St, Jackson, MS 39201 · Mon-Fri 8am-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.