Domestic Violence in North Dakota

13 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 Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

13 Resources

1. North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services (CAWS) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating advocacy, training, and referrals for domestic-violence survivors, including fathers and male-identifying victims, across all North Dakota counties. The Bismarck office on N 4th Street is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 255-6240 to be routed to your local member shelter. Services are free and confidential. Have your ZIP code, safety concerns, and whether children are involved ready when you call.

(701) 255-6240 · 525 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Confidential 24/7 support, safety planning, and warm referrals for North Dakota domestic-violence survivors including fathers, children, and LGBTQ victims. Call (800) 799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org. Advocates connect callers to nearby shelter, legal aid, and protection-order help. Service is free. Be ready to share your ZIP code, any current safety concerns, and whether children are with you.

(800) 799-7233 · National service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Rape and Abuse Crisis Center — Fargo — Free

Emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling, and support groups for domestic-violence and sexual-assault survivors in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. The 24/7 crisis hotline is (701) 293-7273. The 8th Street N office supports walk-ins during business hours. Services are free and confidential for survivors and their children. Bring photo ID if available, any protection orders, and essential medications when seeking shelter intake.

(701) 293-7273 · 317 8th St N, Fargo, ND 58102 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

4. Abused Adult Resource Center — Bismarck — Free

Emergency shelter, counseling, and support services for domestic-violence survivors in central North Dakota, including fathers fleeing abuse with children. The confidential Bismarck shelter operates 24/7. Call the hotline at (701) 222-8370 for safe intake and transportation help. Services are free. Bring photo ID if available, any protection orders, medications, and the children's birth certificates when possible to the intake meeting.

(701) 222-8370 · Bismarck, ND (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

5. Community Violence Intervention Center — Grand Forks — Free

Shelter, advocacy, counseling, and children's programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Grand Forks region. The 24/7 confidential hotline is (701) 746-8900. Advocates can coordinate court accompaniment and protection-order filing. Services are free. Bring photo ID if available, any protection orders, medications, and the children's birth certificates when possible when you enter the shelter.

(701) 746-8900 · Grand Forks, ND (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

6. Domestic Violence Crisis Center — Minot — Free

Emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling for domestic-violence survivors and their children across northwest North Dakota. The confidential Minot facility runs a 24/7 hotline at (701) 852-2258. Transportation to shelter can be arranged. Services are free and confidential for all survivors regardless of income. Bring photo ID, medications, any protection orders, and the children's birth certificates when possible during intake.

(701) 852-2258 · Minot, ND (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

7. ND Crime Victims' Compensation — Free

State-run financial assistance for North Dakota victims of crime, including domestic-violence survivors needing help with medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and relocation expenses. The Bismarck office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 328-6195 to request an application. Fathers who are primary caregivers can also apply on behalf of minor children. Bring a police report number, receipts, and proof of loss documentation.

(701) 328-6195 · 3100 Railroad Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Safe Alternatives for Abused Families — Dickinson — Free

Emergency shelter and support services for domestic-violence survivors and their children in southwest North Dakota, including rural and oil-patch communities. The confidential Dickinson facility runs a 24/7 hotline at (701) 225-4506. Transportation to shelter can be arranged. Services are free. Bring photo ID if safe to take, any protection orders, medications, and the children's birth certificates when possible to intake.

(701) 225-4506 · Dickinson, ND (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

9. Hope Connections — Williston — Free

Domestic-violence shelter and advocacy for survivors and their children in northwest North Dakota and the Williston Basin oil region. The confidential facility runs a 24/7 hotline at (701) 572-0757. Advocates help with safety planning, protection-order filing, and court accompaniment. Services are free and confidential. Bring photo ID if safe to take, medications, any protection orders, and the children's birth certificates to intake.

(701) 572-0757 · Williston, ND (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

10. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Resources — ND — Free

Federal protections and grant-funded services for domestic-violence, dating-violence, and stalking survivors including men and LGBTQ victims in North Dakota. Call (800) 799-7233 any time to be routed to local services. Visit justice.gov/ovw for program listings and eligibility summaries. VAWA also provides immigration relief options. Have your ZIP code, current safety concerns, and whether children are involved ready to share.

(800) 799-7233 · Federal resource · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

11. YWCA Cass Clay — DV Services — Free

Emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and children's services for domestic-violence survivors in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The 24/7 confidential hotline is (701) 232-2547. The 1st Avenue N building supports walk-ins during business hours. Services are free for survivors and their children. Bring photo ID if available, medications, any protection orders, and the children's birth certificates when possible for intake.

(701) 232-2547 · 629 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

12. Pathways to Safety International — Free

Resources and case management for survivors of domestic violence, forced marriage, and human trafficking in international or military contexts, including North Dakota service members and expatriate families. The 24/7 hotline is (833) 723-3933. Visit pathwaystosafety.org for self-help tools. Services are free and confidential. Have your location, current safety concerns, and any immigration or military status details ready when you call.

(833) 723-3933 · National service · 24/7 · Visit Website

13. ND Boys & Men's DV Prevention Programs — Free

Prevention education and healthy-relationship programs targeting boys and men across North Dakota, delivered through schools, community centers, and partner agencies to interrupt cycles of abuse. Reach the coordinating office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 255-6240. Presentations and workshops are free. Fathers can also request a session for their school or workplace. Have your ZIP code and intended audience size ready when you call.

(701) 255-6240 · Statewide program · 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.