Marie Detty Youth & Family Services – Lawton

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 Oklahoma

Oklahoma district courts hear family matters in each of its 77 counties. The Oklahoma Child Support Services division operates under DHS. Oklahoma City and Tulsa dominate, with Norman, Broken Arrow, and Edmond rounding out the major cities. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide.

More Domestic Violence in Oklahoma

• Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Statewide coalition connecting survivors and their families to certified domestic violence and sexual assault programs across Oklahoma's 77
• Domestic Violence Intervention Services – Tulsa — Tulsa area's primary DV and sexual assault services agency providing emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and 24/7 crisis response
• Women's Haven – Fort Smith/OK Area — Regional domestic violence shelter serving Arkansas-Oklahoma border communities, including families in LeFlore and Sequoyah counties. Provid
• ACOG DV Service – OKC Metro — Association of Central Oklahoma Governments coordinates domestic violence emergency shelter and victim support across the OKC metro. Fathers
• SafeNet Services – Enid — Northwest Oklahoma's primary domestic violence agency offering emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and a 24/7 crisis line for Gar
• Help-in-Crisis – Lawton — Help-in-Crisis provides domestic violence emergency shelter and 24/7 crisis services for Lawton, Fort Sill, and southwest Oklahoma residents

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.