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 North Carolina

16 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 North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.

16 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential support for anyone affected by domestic violence including fathers who are victims or who are concerned about someone they know. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org. Trained advocates help with safety planning, local shelter referrals, and legal resources. All calls are free and confidential. Interpreters available for non-English speakers. TTY line available for hearing-impaired callers.

1-800-799-7233 · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide organization coordinating domestic violence services across North Carolina and connecting fathers with local shelters, legal aid, and support programs. NC CADV maintains a directory of member programs in all 100 counties and advocates for DV policy statewide. Call 919-956-9124 for resource referrals. Located at 123 W Main St, Suite 700, Durham. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Fathers who are survivors of domestic violence can access services through local member agencies.

919-956-9124 · 123 W Main St, Suite 700, Durham, NC 27701 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. InterAct of Wake County — Free

Provides crisis intervention, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in the Raleigh-Wake County area. Services include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency housing, safety planning, court accompaniment, and therapeutic counseling. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 919-828-7740 for immediate help. Office at 1012 Oberlin Rd, Suite 202, Raleigh. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

919-828-7740 · 1012 Oberlin Rd, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27605 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Safe Alliance — Free

Charlotte's comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault agency offering emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups for all survivors including fathers. A 24-hour crisis line provides immediate help. Services are free and confidential. Call 704-332-2513 for the crisis line. Located at 601 E Trade St, Charlotte. Office hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. All genders and sexual orientations are served. Transportation assistance may be available for shelter placement.

704-332-2513 · 601 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. 1in6 - Support for Men — Free

Dedicated to helping men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault by providing online support groups, educational resources, and a 24/7 helpline for male survivors. Programs address shame, isolation, and trauma recovery specific to male experiences. The helpline is free and confidential at 1-888-567-1846. Online support groups are available at 1in6.org. Resources are also available for partners and families of male survivors. Open 24/7 for crisis support.

1-888-567-1846 · National (online) · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. MaleSurvivor — Free

National organization providing resources, support groups, and community for male survivors of sexual trauma. Offers online peer support forums, a therapist directory specializing in male trauma, and educational resources about male sexual victimization. Visit malesurvivor.org for support group schedules and to connect with other survivors. All online resources are free. Resources are available 24/7 at the website. A safe, judgment-free space for men seeking healing and connection.

National (online) · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

7. NC Judicial Branch - Domestic Violence Protective Orders — Free

Information on obtaining a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina. Fathers can file for protection at their local county courthouse at no cost. Emergency orders can be issued by a magistrate 24/7 when courts are closed. Standard orders are issued after a hearing. The process is free and forms are available at the courthouse. Call 919-890-1000 for guidance. Visit the local courthouse clerk's office to begin filing. Court hours are Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.

919-890-1000 · Contact your local county courthouse · Court hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm; emergency orders 24/7 via magistrate · Visit Website

8. Men Stopping Violence Resources — Paid

Resources and accountability programs for men working to end intimate partner violence. Batterer intervention programs and community education are available across NC through partner organizations. Programs focus on accountability, behavior change, and healthy relationship skills. Court-ordered participants are accepted. Visit menstoppingviolence.org to find NC programs. Online resources available 24/7. Call for information on NC-based partner programs and availability. Fees vary by program.

National (NC programs available) · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Family Services of the Piedmont — Free

DV crisis intervention, counseling, and support services for survivors in Guilford County including Greensboro and High Point. Services include emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, individual counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs. All services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line at 336-387-6161 anytime. Office at 315 E Washington St, Greensboro. Office hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm. Male survivors of domestic violence are also served.

336-387-6161 · 315 E Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Compass Center for Women and Families — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault services in Orange and Chatham counties providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, individual counseling, and legal advocacy for all survivors. Safety planning, court accompaniment, and children's programs are also available. All services are free and confidential. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 919-929-7122. Located at 210 Henderson St, Chapel Hill. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Male survivors are welcomed and served.

919-929-7122 · 210 Henderson St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Helpmate - Asheville DV Services — Free

Buncombe County domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services for survivors in the Asheville area. Safety planning, court accompaniment, and transitional housing assistance are also available. All services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line at 828-254-0516. Shelter location is confidential. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. All genders are served including male survivors of domestic violence.

828-254-0516 · Asheville, NC (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. REACH of Mecklenburg County — Free

Domestic violence prevention and support services in Charlotte offering a batterer intervention program, victim advocacy, and community education. The batterer intervention program is court-approved and evidence-based for those ordered to attend. Victim advocacy services include safety planning and referrals. Call 704-332-9034 for program information. Located at a confidential address in Charlotte. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Fees for batterer intervention programs may apply.

704-332-9034 · Charlotte, NC (confidential location) · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

13. Turning Point - DV Services Fayetteville — Free

Domestic violence services in Cumberland County providing emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing for survivors and their children in the Fayetteville area. A 24-hour crisis line is available for immediate support. Safety planning, court accompaniment, and children's services are offered. All services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line at 910-678-2605. Shelter location is confidential. Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Military families are served.

910-678-2605 · Fayetteville, NC (confidential location) · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. NC Abuser Treatment Programs — Paid

Court-ordered batterer intervention programs available statewide with the NC Judicial Branch maintaining a directory of approved DV offender treatment programs organized by county. If ordered by a judge to attend, participants must enroll in a certified program and complete the curriculum to satisfy court requirements. Call 919-890-1000 or visit the NC courts website to find an approved program in your county. Programs are available in most urban and many rural NC counties.

919-890-1000 · Contact local county courthouse · Varies by program · Visit Website

15. Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons - Wilmington — Free

Crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy for sexual assault survivors in the Wilmington area providing a 24/7 crisis line and hospital accompaniment during forensic exams. Individual and group therapy, safety planning, and court advocacy are available. Services are free and confidential. Call the 24-hour crisis line at 910-392-6936. Located at 615 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington. Office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. All genders including male survivors are served with compassion.

910-392-6936 · 615 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Shelter Home of Caldwell County — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services in Lenoir serving Caldwell and surrounding western NC counties with crisis intervention, individual counseling, and legal advocacy. Emergency shelter placement available for survivors fleeing dangerous situations. Safety planning and referrals to additional resources are provided. Call the 24/7 crisis line at 828-758-0888. Shelter location is confidential. Services are free to survivors. Serving Caldwell, Avery, Watauga, and nearby western NC counties.

828-758-0888 · Lenoir, NC (confidential location) · Crisis line 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.