Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania

18 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

18 Resources

1. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating 60+ member domestic violence programs across Pennsylvania. Operates a statewide 24-hour hotline and connects callers to local shelter, legal advocacy, and support services. PCADV also provides resources for male DV survivors and fathers who are victims of domestic violence. Advocates are trained to help anyone experiencing abuse find safety, regardless of gender.

1-800-932-4632 · 3605 Vartan Way, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110 · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Federally funded 24/7 hotline at 1-800-799-7233 offering crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local DV programs nationwide including across Pennsylvania. Chat is also available at thehotline.org. Male victims and fathers experiencing domestic violence are welcome to call. Advocates are trained to help anyone experiencing abuse, coercion, or threats from an intimate partner develop a safety plan.

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

3. Women Against Abuse (Philadelphia) — Free

Philadelphia's largest domestic violence agency providing emergency safe haven shelter, free civil legal representation, counseling, and advocacy services for all DV survivors. Women Against Abuse serves all survivors regardless of gender and operates a 24-hour hotline. The legal center provides free representation in PFA proceedings and family court. Call the hotline to access emergency services and connect with a legal advocate.

1-866-723-3014 · 100 S Broad St, Suite 1341, Philadelphia, PA 19110 · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Crisis Center North (Pittsburgh) — Free

Serves domestic violence victims in northern Allegheny County with emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, and children's programs. Crisis Center North operates a 24-hour hotline and provides confidential services to anyone experiencing abuse in the Pittsburgh metro area. Fathers who are DV victims or who need help protecting their children from an abusive partner can call the hotline for guidance and referrals.

412-364-5556 · Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Turning Point of Lehigh Valley — Free

Comprehensive domestic violence services in the Lehigh Valley including emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and transitional housing. Turning Point operates a hotline and serves all DV survivors including fathers who are victims of abuse. Legal advocates can assist with PFA orders and family court matters. Services are confidential and free to qualifying individuals in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas.

610-437-3369 · 444 E Susquehanna St, Allentown, PA 18103 · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. PA Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders — Free

Pennsylvania's legal protection for domestic violence victims available through the Court of Common Pleas in each county. A PFA can grant temporary custody, prohibit contact, and require the abuser to leave the shared home. Available to any family member or intimate partner including fathers who are victims of abuse. File at your county courthouse. Emergency PFAs are available after hours through local police or a magistrate.

1-800-932-4632 · Filed at your county Court of Common Pleas · Emergency PFAs available 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Laurel House (Montgomery County) — Free

Montgomery County's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline services, legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, and transitional housing. Laurel House serves all survivors of domestic violence in Montgomery County. Fathers who are victims of abuse or need to protect their children from an abusive partner can call the hotline for immediate guidance, safety planning, and referrals to legal resources.

1-800-642-3150 · Norristown, PA 19404 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. A Woman's Place (Bucks County) — Free

Comprehensive domestic violence services for Bucks County including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, and children's programs. A Woman's Place operates a 24-hour hotline and serves all DV survivors. Fathers experiencing abuse or seeking to protect their children from a violent partner in Bucks County can call for safety planning, legal referrals, and guidance navigating the PFA process.

1-800-220-8116 · Doylestown, PA 18901 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. YWCA Lancaster - Domestic Violence Services — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and counseling in Lancaster County. The YWCA Lancaster operates a 24-hour hotline and serves all domestic violence survivors. Fathers who are victims of abuse or need to protect their children from an abusive partner in Lancaster County can call for immediate assistance, safety planning, and legal referrals.

717-299-1249 · 110 N Lime St, Lancaster, PA 17602 · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Philadelphia's dedicated 24-hour domestic violence hotline providing crisis counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter placement, and referrals to legal and social services for all survivors. Fathers in Philadelphia who are experiencing domestic violence, or who need guidance protecting their children from an abusive partner, can call for immediate support, safety planning, and referrals to free legal advocacy services.

1-866-723-3014 · Philadelphia, PA · 24/7 · Visit Website

11. Center for Victims (Pittsburgh) — Free

Provides comprehensive services to crime victims in Allegheny County including domestic violence counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and a 24-hour hotline. The Center for Victims serves all survivors of crime and domestic violence including male victims. Fathers who have experienced violence, abuse, or threats can call the 24-hour hotline for immediate support, safety planning, and connections to legal and housing resources.

412-392-8582 · 5916 Penn Ave, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Safe Berks (Reading) — Free

Berks County's primary domestic violence and sexual assault services agency providing emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline. Safe Berks serves all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Reading area. Fathers who are victims of abuse or need help protecting their children from an abusive partner in Berks County can call the hotline for immediate support.

844-789-7233 · Reading, PA 19601 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Erie Dawn (Erie) — Free

Provides transitional housing, domestic violence support services, case management, and life skills programs for women and families in Erie County. Erie Dawn operates a 24-hour hotline and provides services to DV survivors. Fathers concerned about their partner's safety or who are themselves experiencing abuse and need guidance protecting their children in the Erie area can call for referrals to appropriate DV and legal resources.

814-453-5656 · Erie, PA 16501 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Domestic Violence Service Center (Wilkes-Barre) — Free

Serves Luzerne County and the Wilkes-Barre area with domestic violence emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, children's programs, and a 24-hour hotline. All domestic violence survivors including fathers are welcome to call. The legal advocacy team assists with PFA orders and family court proceedings. Services are confidential and free to qualifying Luzerne County residents experiencing domestic violence.

570-823-7312 · Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

15. SafeNet Erie — Free

Provides comprehensive domestic violence services in Erie County including emergency safe haven shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, children's services, and court accompaniment. SafeNet operates a 24-hour crisis hotline and serves all DV survivors. Fathers in Erie County who are victims of abuse or need help protecting their children from a violent partner can call for safety planning, shelter referrals, and legal guidance.

814-454-8161 · Erie, PA 16501 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

16. Domestic Violence Center of Chester County — Free

Comprehensive domestic violence services for Chester County including a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, individual counseling, children's programs, and legal advocacy. The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County serves all DV survivors. Fathers in Chester County who are experiencing abuse or seeking to protect their children from a violent partner can call the hotline anytime for crisis support and safety planning.

1-888-711-6270 · West Chester, PA 19380 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

17. ACCESS York (York County DV Services) — Free

York County's domestic violence service provider offering emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis intervention, legal advocacy, counseling, and transitional housing. ACCESS York serves all DV survivors in the York area including fathers who are victims of abuse. Legal advocates assist with PFA petitions and family court matters. Call the 24-hour hotline for immediate support, safety planning, and information about available shelter and services.

717-846-5400 · York, PA 17401 (shelter address confidential) · Hotline 24/7; office Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

18. Victim Services Inc. (Scranton/Lackawanna) — Free

Serves crime and domestic violence victims in Lackawanna County and the Scranton area with crisis counseling, emergency shelter referrals, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment. Victim Services Inc. assists all crime victims including fathers who are domestic violence survivors. Advocates can accompany victims to court proceedings, assist with PFA petitions, and connect clients to housing and community resources.

570-342-3510 · 225 N Washington Ave, Suite 304, Scranton, PA 18503 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; crisis 24/7 · Visit Website

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.