North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services (CAWS)

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.

More Domestic Violence in North Dakota

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — Confidential 24/7 support, safety planning, and warm referrals for North Dakota domestic-violence survivors including fathers, children, and
• Rape and Abuse Crisis Center — Fargo — Emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling, and support groups for domestic-violence and sexual-assault survivors in the Fargo-Moorhead m
• Abused Adult Resource Center — Bismarck — Emergency shelter, counseling, and support services for domestic-violence survivors in central North Dakota, including fathers fleeing abuse
• Community Violence Intervention Center — Grand Forks — Shelter, advocacy, counseling, and children's programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Grand Forks region. The
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center — Minot — Emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling for domestic-violence survivors and their children across northwest North Dakota. The confidenti
• ND Crime Victims' Compensation — State-run financial assistance for North Dakota victims of crime, including domestic-violence survivors needing help with medical bills, cou

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.