RESPONSE – Laconia

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.

More Domestic Violence in New Hampshire

• NH Coalition Against DV & Sexual Assault — The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is the statewide network connecting survivors to local member programs for
• YWCA NH – DV Services Manchester — The YWCA New Hampshire provides domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and supervised visitation services from its Mancheste
• HAVEN – Seacoast DV Services — HAVEN provides free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Rockingham and Strafford counties, including a 24/7 crisis line at 603
• Bridges – Nashua DV Services — Bridges provides domestic violence and sexual assault shelter, counseling, and advocacy services for southern New Hampshire residents. A 24/
• Crisis Center of Central NH – Concord — The Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire offers domestic violence and sexual assault services for Merrimack County including a 24/7 crisis
• Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention — The Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention offers free domestic violence and sexual assault services for Cheshire County, including a 24/7

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.