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 Mexico

8 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 Mexico

New Mexico district courts handle divorce and custody in each of its 13 judicial districts. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under HSD. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe are the largest cities. New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid organization.

8 Resources

1. NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors to shelters, advocacy, and legal services across New Mexico. The Coalition coordinates trainings, policy work, and referrals from 1410 Coal Ave SW in Albuquerque. Fathers concerned for their children, or dads experiencing abuse themselves, can call the 24/7 hotline at 800-773-3645 or visit nmcadv.org to find a local member program. All calls are confidential.

800-773-3645 · 1410 Coal Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. S.A.F.E. House – Albuquerque — Free

Emergency shelter and domestic violence services for survivors and their children in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. S.A.F.E. House offers crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and support groups. Reach the 24/7 crisis line at 505-247-4219 or write PO Box 25305, Albuquerque. Fathers fleeing with children or worried about their kids' safety can call any time for confidential assistance.

505-247-4219 · PO Box 25305, Albuquerque, NM 87125 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Esperanza Shelter – Santa Fe — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico, serving survivors and their children with safe housing, counseling, and court advocacy. The 24/7 crisis line is 505-474-5536 and the mailing address is PO Box 2433, Santa Fe. Dads in danger, or concerned about a partner's safety, can call any time to speak confidentially with an advocate. Visit esperanzashelter.org.

505-474-5536 · PO Box 2433, Santa Fe, NM 87504 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. La Casa Inc. – Las Cruces — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for southern New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, and surrounding communities. La Casa offers emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs. The 24/7 crisis line is 575-526-2819 and the mailing address is PO Box 2463, Las Cruces. Call any time for confidential safety planning or visit lacasainc.org.

575-526-2819 · PO Box 2463, Las Cruces, NM 88004 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Tewa Women United – Espanola — Free

Domestic and sexual violence services for Native American women and families in northern New Mexico, including the pueblos around Espanola. Tewa Women United combines culturally grounded advocacy with safety planning and community healing from PO Box 397, Espanola. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 505-747-3259 or visit tewawomenunited.org. Services are free and confidential.

505-747-3259 · PO Box 397, Espanola, NM 87532 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Valencia Shelter Services — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for Valencia County, serving Los Lunas, Belen, Bosque Farms, and surrounding communities south of Albuquerque. The program provides emergency shelter, advocacy, and support for survivors and their children. The 24/7 crisis line is 505-865-6100 and the mailing address is PO Box 2463, Los Lunas. Calls are free and confidential, day or night.

505-865-6100 · PO Box 2463, Los Lunas, NM 87031 · 24/7 crisis line

7. National DV Hotline – New Mexico — Free

24/7 national hotline connecting New Mexico survivors to local shelters, legal help, and safety planning. Trained advocates speak with callers in English, Spanish, and through interpreters in 200+ languages. Dads worried about themselves, their kids, or someone they know can call 800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat via thehotline.org. All contacts are free and confidential.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Cuidando Los Ninos – Albuquerque — Free

Shelter and services for homeless mothers and children in Albuquerque, including families fleeing violence. Cuidando Los Ninos offers childcare, case management, and stabilization support from 816 5th St NW. While the core shelter serves mothers, dads concerned about their children's welfare or looking for family referrals can call 505-842-6652 any time. Services are available 24/7.

505-842-6652 · 816 5th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 · 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.