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.

Domestic Violence in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

13 Resources

1. RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network connecting Rhode Island survivors and their children to shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning through member agencies. Fathers who are survivors or concerned family members can call the 24/7 hotline from anywhere in the state. Staff help identify the nearest program. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, and a phone number where it is safe to receive callbacks when connecting with services.

800-494-8100 · 422 Post Rd #202, Warwick, RI 02888 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. Sojourner House – Providence — Free

Domestic violence shelter, counseling, and advocacy services for Providence-area survivors and their children, including male survivors and fathers fleeing abuse. The agency runs a 24/7 crisis line and can coordinate safe shelter, court accompaniment, and housing advocacy. Call the hotline day or night. When ready, bring photo ID, any protective orders, and medications, plus important documents for your children if possible.

401-765-3232 · PO Box 5849, Providence, RI 02903 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Women's Center of RI — Free

Domestic violence services including counseling, court advocacy, and safety planning at the Women's Center of Rhode Island in downtown Providence on Broad Street. Survivors and family members can call the 24/7 crisis line for crisis support and referrals. Walk-in appointments are available during business hours. Bring photo ID, any protective orders or police reports, and a safe contact number for follow-up calls.

401-861-2760 · 45 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center – Warwick — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services for Kent County survivors and their children at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center in Warwick. A 24/7 crisis line connects callers to emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers with safety concerns or family members seeking help can call any time. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, medications, and important documents for your children if possible.

401-738-1700 · Warwick, RI 02886 · 24/7 crisis line

5. Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center — Free

Domestic violence services for northern Rhode Island including Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, and surrounding towns. The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center offers a 24/7 crisis line, safety planning, counseling, and court advocacy for survivors and their children. Call any time for confidential support. Bring photo ID, any protective orders or police reports, and a safe phone number where a staff advocate can reach you.

401-723-3057 · Pawtucket, RI 02860 · 24/7 crisis line

6. Women's Resource Center – Newport — Free

Domestic violence services for Newport County residents at the Women's Resource Center, including crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and safety planning for survivors and their children. The 24/7 crisis line connects callers to emergency support. Fathers fleeing abuse and family members seeking help are welcome. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, medications, and, if possible, documents for your children.

401-847-2533 · Newport, RI 02840 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. National DV Hotline – RI — Free

Free 24/7 national domestic violence hotline that connects Rhode Island survivors to local resources including shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy. Advocates speak with callers in English, Spanish, and through interpreter services, and can help create safety plans. Calls and chats are confidential. Save the number in your phone as another name if it is not safe, and use a device your partner does not monitor when reaching out.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Day One – Sexual Assault Services — Free

Sexual assault crisis services across Rhode Island from Day One's Medway Street office in Providence, including a 24/7 hotline, hospital response, counseling, and court advocacy for survivors of all genders and ages. Fathers supporting a child or family member who was assaulted can also call for guidance. Bring photo ID, any medical or police paperwork, and, if it feels safe, a support person to in-person appointments.

800-494-8100 · 100 Medway St, Providence, RI 02906 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

9. Lucy's Hearth – Newport — Free

24/7 emergency and transitional shelter for homeless mothers and children in Newport, Rhode Island, with case management, housing navigation, and family support services. While centered on mothers, staff can help connect fathers and extended family to appropriate resources and coordinate with Newport County shelters. Call to inquire about intake. Bring photo ID, birth certificates for children, and any income or benefit documents.

401-847-2872 · Newport, RI 02840 · 24/7 · Visit Website

10. Crossroads RI – DV Support — Free

Emergency shelter and services for domestic violence survivors and their children at Crossroads Rhode Island on Broad Street in Providence, part of a broader homelessness and housing agency. Staff coordinate shelter intake, case management, and referrals to legal and counseling services 24/7. Call for placement information. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, medications, and documents for your children if safely available.

401-521-2255 · 160 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903 · 24/7 shelter · Visit Website

11. RI Attorney General – DV Unit — Free

Criminal prosecution and victim advocacy for domestic violence cases handled by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office on South Main Street in Providence. Victim advocates explain the criminal court process, help with protective orders, and accompany survivors to hearings. Fathers who are victims or witnesses can call during business hours. Bring photo ID, police reports, protective orders, and a safe contact number.

401-274-4400 · 150 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Woonsocket DV Services — Free

Domestic violence crisis support for Woonsocket and northern Rhode Island coordinated through the Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center's 24/7 crisis line. Advocates offer safety planning, shelter referrals, counseling, and court accompaniment for survivors and their children. Fathers fleeing abuse or worried about a loved one can call any time. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, medications, and children's documents if possible.

401-723-3057 · Woonsocket, RI 02895 · 24/7 crisis line

13. Central Falls DV Advocacy — Free

Domestic violence advocacy and safety planning for Central Falls residents coordinated through regional advocacy services with a 24/7 crisis line. Advocates help survivors create safety plans, navigate protective orders, and connect to emergency shelter and counseling. Fathers fleeing abuse or supporting a family member can call at any hour. Bring photo ID, any protective orders, and a safe phone number for callbacks.

401-723-3057 · Central Falls, RI 02863 · 24/7 crisis line

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.