RI Attorney General – DV Unit

Domestic Violence · Rhode Island · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 150 S Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Phone: 401-274-4400

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

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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.

More Domestic Violence in Rhode Island

  • RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Statewide network connecting Rhode Island survivors and their children to shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning through m
  • Sojourner House – Providence — Domestic violence shelter, counseling, and advocacy services for Providence-area survivors and their children, including male survivors and
  • Women's Center of RI — Domestic violence services including counseling, court advocacy, and safety planning at the Women's Center of Rhode Island in downtown Provi
  • Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center – Warwick — Domestic violence shelter and advocacy services for Kent County survivors and their children at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center in Warwick
  • Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center — Domestic violence services for northern Rhode Island including Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, and surrounding towns. The Blackstone Vall
  • Women's Resource Center – Newport — Domestic violence services for Newport County residents at the Women's Resource Center, including crisis response, counseling, advocacy, and

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.