MoLegalAid.org - Domestic Violence

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.

More Domestic Violence in Missouri

• Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) — Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence services across Missouri, providing training, advocacy, public policy work, and referrals
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Missouri programs in 200 plus languages thr
• Rose Brooks Center (Kansas City) — Kansas City's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, children's program
• YWCA St. Louis - DV Services — Provides domestic violence crisis services, counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and children's programs for survivors in the St. Lou
• Harmony House (Springfield) — Serves domestic violence survivors in southwest Missouri with emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and childr
• True North of Columbia - DV Services — Provides domestic violence crisis services, shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors in Columbia and central Missouri, with a 2

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.