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 Missouri

12 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 Missouri

Missouri circuit courts hear family matters through family court divisions in each of its 45 judicial circuits. The Family Support Division runs child support enforcement under DSS. Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia are the largest metros. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, and Mid-Missouri Legal Services cover the state.

12 Resources

1. Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence services across Missouri, providing training, advocacy, public policy work, and referrals to local shelters and programs. Dads and survivors can use the online directory to find the nearest program by county. MCADSV does not provide direct services but connects callers with member agencies. The Jefferson City office handles inquiries Monday through Friday during standard business hours with extensive online resources.

573-634-4161 · 217 Oscar Dr, Suite A, Jefferson City, MO 65101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Missouri programs in 200 plus languages through trained advocates. Dads experiencing abuse, as well as those concerned about someone they love, can call or chat online anonymously for support. No identification or insurance required. Advocates can help plan a safe departure, connect callers to Missouri shelters, and provide information about orders of protection.

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

3. Rose Brooks Center (Kansas City) — Free

Kansas City's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, children's programs, and transitional housing for survivors and their children. Dads who are survivors and those concerned about loved ones can call the crisis line for confidential support. The shelter location is kept confidential for safety. The office handles non-crisis calls Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

816-861-6100 · Kansas City, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. YWCA St. Louis - DV Services — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis services, counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and children's programs for survivors in the St. Louis metro area, with a 24-hour crisis hotline. Dads who are survivors or concerned about family members can call for confidential support and referrals. The Brentwood Boulevard office handles non-crisis calls Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Services are free and available regardless of gender or immigration status.

314-531-7273 · 140 N Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 · 24-hour hotline; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Harmony House (Springfield) — Free

Serves domestic violence survivors in southwest Missouri with emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services, based in Springfield. Dads experiencing abuse or concerned about loved ones can call the crisis line for confidential support. The shelter location is kept confidential for survivor safety. The office handles non-crisis calls Monday through Friday during standard business hours. All services are free for survivors and their children.

417-837-7700 · Springfield, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

6. True North of Columbia - DV Services — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis services, shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors in Columbia and central Missouri, with a 24-hour crisis line. Dads who are survivors or concerned about family members can call confidentially for support and safety planning. The shelter location is kept confidential for safety. The office handles non-crisis calls Monday through Friday during standard business hours. All services are free and confidential.

573-875-1370 · Columbia, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. MoLegalAid.org - Domestic Violence — Free

Free online legal resource providing self-help tools and guidance for Missouri DV survivors seeking orders of protection, custody modifications, and other legal remedies. Dads or other survivors can download forms, read step-by-step guides, and find referrals to the nearest legal aid office by county. Available online around the clock with no login required. Have photo ID and any existing court paperwork handy when preparing filings.

Online resource · Online 24/7

8. The Salvation Army - DV Shelter (Kansas City) — Free

Provides emergency shelter and supportive services for domestic violence survivors and their children in the Kansas City area, including counseling and case management. Dads and survivors can call 24/7 for intake and placement. Shelter location is kept confidential for safety. Services are free for survivors and their children. Bring identification, medications, and essential documents when possible, but no one is turned away for lack of ID.

816-756-5392 · Kansas City, MO (confidential location) · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Synergy Services (Parkville/KC North) — Free

Serves northern Kansas City metro with domestic violence emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and youth programs based in Parkville. Dads who are survivors or concerned about family members can call the crisis line for confidential support. The shelter location is kept confidential for safety. The office handles non-crisis calls Monday through Friday during standard business hours. All services are free for survivors and their children.

816-587-4100 · Parkville, MO (confidential shelter location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Lafayette House (Joplin) — Free

Serves Joplin and southwest Missouri with domestic violence emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs, operating a 24-hour crisis line. Dads who are survivors or supporting someone escaping abuse can call confidentially for safety planning and intake. The shelter location is kept confidential for safety. Services are free for survivors and their children, and no identification is required to receive emergency support.

417-782-1772 · Joplin, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

11. Victim Center (St. Joseph) — Free

Serves St. Joseph and northwest Missouri with domestic violence crisis services, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for adult and child survivors. Dads who are survivors or concerned about loved ones can call the crisis line confidentially for support. The shelter location is kept confidential for safety. The office handles non-crisis intake Monday through Friday during standard business hours. All services are free for survivors.

816-364-1131 · St. Joseph, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

12. Safe House for Women (Cape Girardeau) — Free

Serves Cape Girardeau and southeast Missouri with domestic violence emergency shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy for adult and child survivors. Dads who are survivors or concerned about loved ones can call the 24-hour crisis line confidentially for support and safety planning. The shelter location is kept confidential. Services are free for survivors and their children, and no identification is required to receive emergency support.

573-335-7745 · Cape Girardeau, MO (confidential location) · 24-hour crisis line

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.