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 New Hampshire

15 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 New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Circuit Court Family Division handles all family matters statewide. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DHHS. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover are the largest cities. 603 Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong self-help website for pro se fathers.

15 Resources

1. NH Coalition Against DV & Sexual Assault — Free

The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is the statewide network connecting survivors to local member programs for shelter, counseling, advocacy, and legal help. Fathers who have experienced abuse or are supporting someone who has can call the 24/7 hotline at 866-644-3574 for confidential referrals to the nearest crisis center. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of gender, income, or immigration status.

866-644-3574 · PO Box 353, Concord, NH 03302 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. YWCA NH – DV Services Manchester — Free

The YWCA New Hampshire provides domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and supervised visitation services from its Manchester location. A 24/7 crisis line at 603-625-5785 offers confidential support and emergency shelter intake. Fathers experiencing abuse or seeking safe custody exchange can request services. Walk-ins welcome during business hours at the Concord Street office. All services are free and confidential regardless of income, gender, or immigration status.

603-625-5785 · 72 Concord St, Manchester, NH 03101 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. HAVEN – Seacoast DV Services — Free

HAVEN provides free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Rockingham and Strafford counties, including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-994-7233, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and supervised visitation. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime for confidential help or visit the Portsmouth office during business hours. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status.

603-994-7233 · 20 International Dr #300, Portsmouth, NH 03801 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Bridges – Nashua DV Services — Free

Bridges provides domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, counseling, and advocacy services for southern New Hampshire residents. A 24/7 crisis line at 603-883-3044 connects survivors to emergency help, and fathers can access legal advocacy, court accompaniment, and supervised visitation support. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. Walk-in appointments and phone intake both available during business hours.

603-883-3044 · PO Box 217, Nashua, NH 03061 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Crisis Center of Central NH – Concord — Free

The Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire offers domestic violence and sexual assault services for Merrimack County including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-225-7376, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, and supervised visitation. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime for confidential help. Services are free, confidential, and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. No appointment or referral needed to reach hotline support.

603-225-7376 · PO Box 1344, Concord, NH 03302 · 24/7 crisis line

6. Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention — Free

The Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention offers free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Cheshire County, including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-352-3782, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime or walk in during business hours at the Court Street Keene office. Services are confidential and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status.

603-352-3782 · 12 Court St, Keene, NH 03431 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. Turning Points Network – Claremont — Free

Turning Points Network offers free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Sullivan County residents, including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-543-0155, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. Fathers in crisis or supporting a family member can call anytime. Walk-in visits welcome during business hours at the School Street Claremont office. Services are confidential and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. No appointment needed to reach hotline help.

603-543-0155 · 11 School St, Claremont, NH 03743 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. National DV Hotline – NH — Free

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free 24/7 confidential service connecting New Hampshire survivors to local resources, safety planning help, and emotional support. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call 800-799-7233 anytime, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Advocates can direct you to the nearest New Hampshire shelter or crisis program. Available in over 200 languages with no identifying info required to receive support.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Starting Point – North Conway — Free

Starting Point provides free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Carroll County residents, including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-356-7993, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, and supervised visitation. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime or visit during business hours. Services are confidential and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. No appointment needed for crisis support and safety planning.

603-356-7993 · PO Box 1972, Conway, NH 03818 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. RESPONSE – Laconia — Free

RESPONSE provides free domestic violence and sexual assault crisis services for Belknap County and the Lakes Region including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-528-6888, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment. Fathers in crisis or supporting a family member can call anytime. Services are confidential and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. No appointment needed to reach hotline support or request a safety plan.

603-528-6888 · PO Box 1344, Laconia, NH 03247 · 24/7 crisis line

11. New Beginnings – Dover — Free

New Beginnings is the domestic violence crisis center serving Strafford County with a 24/7 crisis line at 603-742-9504, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime for confidential help. Services are free and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. Walk-in visits welcome during business hours. No referral or identifying information is required to access hotline support.

603-742-9504 · PO Box 622, Dover, NH 03821 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. Voices Against Violence – Plymouth — Free

Voices Against Violence provides free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Grafton County including a 24/7 crisis line at 603-536-1659, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment. Fathers experiencing abuse or supporting a family member can call anytime for confidential help. Services are available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. Walk-in visits welcome during business hours. No referral needed to access hotline support.

603-536-1659 · PO Box 53, Plymouth, NH 03264 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

13. NH Attorney General – DV Unit — Free

The New Hampshire Attorney General's Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes felony domestic violence cases and provides legal resources and training on protective orders, stalking, and strangulation laws. Fathers who are victims, witnesses, or concerned community members can reach the unit at 603-271-3658 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visit the Capitol Street Concord office. Bring any police reports, protective orders, or relevant documentation when contacting the unit for case information.

603-271-3658 · 33 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Center – Concord — Free

This central New Hampshire crisis center provides counseling and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in the Concord area, with a 24/7 crisis line at 603-225-7376. Fathers who have experienced abuse or are supporting a family member can call anytime for confidential help, safety planning, court accompaniment, and referrals. Services are free and available regardless of income, gender, or immigration status. No referral or appointment needed for hotline support.

603-225-7376 · Concord, NH 03302 · 24/7 crisis line

15. Safe Harbor Recovery Center – DV Support — Free

Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth offers peer-based support for individuals navigating domestic violence and substance use concurrently, including recovery coaching, support groups, and referrals. Fathers can call 603-431-6703 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or walk in to the Portsmouth center. Services are free, confidential, and welcoming to anyone regardless of where they are in recovery. No insurance or appointment needed to drop in for peer support and resource connection.

603-431-6703 · Portsmouth, NH 03801 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.