Essex County Prosecutor - DV Unit

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 Jersey

New Jersey Superior Court Family Part handles family law in each of its 15 vicinages. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Trenton are the largest cities. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates six regional LSC-funded programs covering all 21 counties.

More Domestic Violence in New Jersey

• NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV) — Statewide coalition of over 30 DV service programs operating the NJ Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) providing 2
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free, confidential 24/7 hotline available in 200+ languages for anyone affected by domestic violence including survivors, family members, an
• Younity (formerly Womanspace) - Mercer County — Nearly 50 years serving Mercer County domestic violence survivors with 24/7 crisis intervention, emergency shelter, individual counseling, l
• JBWS - Morris Family Justice Center — Morris County's lead domestic violence agency providing counseling, legal assistance, emergency shelter, and children's services all under o
• Women Aware - Middlesex County — State-designated lead DV agency for Middlesex County offering a 24-hour multilingual hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and childre
• Center for Family Services - SERV (Camden) — Services Empowering Rights of Victims provides case management, counseling, safe housing placement, and court accompaniments for DV survivor

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.