Ohio Attorney General - Victim Services

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 Ohio

Ohio has dedicated Domestic Relations Courts and Juvenile Courts (which handle paternity and unmarried-parent custody) in most counties. The Office of Child Support operates under JFS. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron anchor the major metros. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and Community Legal Aid cover the state.

More Domestic Violence in Ohio

• Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) — Statewide coalition supporting local domestic violence programs with training, technical assistance, advocacy, and public policy work across
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local domestic violence resources for survivors a
• CHOICES Domestic Violence Shelter (Columbus) — Provides emergency shelter at a confidential Columbus location, individual counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, and community suppor
• Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (Cleveland) — Serves survivors of domestic violence and child abuse in Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland area with emergency shelter, legal advocacy, indi
• Women Helping Women (Cincinnati) — Provides 24/7 crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, and support groups for survivors of dom
• Artemis Center (Dayton) — Serves domestic violence survivors in the Miami Valley and Dayton area with emergency shelter at a confidential location, advocacy, legal se

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.