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 South Dakota

10 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 South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

10 Resources

1. South Dakota Coalition Ending Domestic & Sexual Violence — Free

Statewide coalition providing advocacy, resources, and referrals for domestic and sexual violence survivors across South Dakota. Staff in Pierre connect callers to local shelters, legal advocates, and victim services. Fathers experiencing abuse or concerned about a loved one can call weekdays for support and information. The coalition also publishes safety planning materials and trains community partners on trauma-informed care.

(605) 945-0869 · PO Box 141, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

Round-the-clock confidential support, safety planning, and referrals from trained advocates for anyone experiencing or concerned about domestic violence. The hotline serves South Dakotans via phone, chat, and text in multiple languages. Fathers who are victims, or who want help protecting their children, can call for immediate assistance. Advocates can connect callers to local shelters, legal services, and law enforcement when needed.

(800) 799-7233 · National service · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Children's Inn — Sioux Falls — Free

Emergency shelter and services for domestic violence survivors and their children in the Sioux Falls area. The confidential location is accessed through a 24/7 hotline. Staff provide safety planning, case management, and advocacy with courts and law enforcement. Fathers who are primary caregivers fleeing abuse can call to learn about intake and family accommodations. Bring photo ID and any protective orders if available.

(605) 338-4880 · Sioux Falls, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

4. Working Against Violence Inc. (WAVI) — Rapid City — Free

Shelter, advocacy, and support for domestic violence survivors in western South Dakota operated by WAVI in Rapid City. Services include a confidential emergency shelter, court accompaniment, and transitional housing referrals. The 24/7 hotline is the main entry point. Fathers fleeing abuse with their children can call to learn about family-friendly intake. Bring photo ID and any protective orders or custody paperwork if possible.

(605) 341-4808 · Rapid City, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

5. Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center — Free

Emergency shelter and support services for domestic violence survivors in central South Dakota based in Pierre. Services include confidential shelter, court advocacy, safety planning, and community education. The 24/7 hotline routes callers to advocates. Fathers experiencing abuse can request information on family intake and protective order assistance. Bring photo ID and any existing orders when possible for a smoother intake.

(605) 224-0256 · Pierre, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

6. Citizens Against Rape & Domestic Violence — Brookings — Free

Crisis intervention, advocacy, and shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in northeast South Dakota based in Brookings. Staff provide 24/7 hotline support, hospital advocacy, and court accompaniment. Fathers in crisis can call any time for safety planning and referrals to local legal aid. Children can accompany parents fleeing abuse. Bring photo ID and any protective orders when reporting to the shelter.

(605) 692-7233 · Brookings, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

7. Sacred Heart Center — Yankton — Free

Support services and shelter for domestic violence survivors in southeast South Dakota operated through Sacred Heart in Yankton. Services include confidential shelter, advocacy, and referrals to legal and mental health providers. The 24/7 hotline is the primary entry point. Fathers fleeing abuse with children can ask about family accommodations during intake. Bring photo ID and any protective orders when safely possible.

(605) 668-3060 · Yankton, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

8. Hope in the Hills — Lead, SD — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy for families in the Black Hills area based in Lead, South Dakota. Services include confidential emergency shelter, safety planning, court accompaniment, and community referrals. The 24/7 hotline connects survivors with trained advocates. Fathers fleeing abuse with their children can request family-friendly intake. Bring photo ID and any protective orders or custody paperwork when possible.

(605) 717-2115 · Lead, SD (confidential) · 24/7 hotline

9. Victim Advocacy Programs — SD Sheriffs — Free

County sheriff-based victim advocacy for domestic violence and crime victims across South Dakota, with Minnehaha County serving the Sioux Falls area. Advocates help survivors navigate law enforcement reports, protective orders, and court proceedings. Fathers who are victims of crime can call their county sheriff's office for referral. Bring photo ID, incident reports, and any existing court paperwork to meetings with an advocate.

(605) 367-4325 · Statewide through county offices · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Stronghearts Native Helpline — Free

Culturally relevant domestic violence support for Native American communities, including South Dakota tribes. Advocates provide safety planning, referrals to tribal and community resources, and support for survivors of intimate partner abuse and sexual violence. The line is confidential and staffed around the clock. Fathers in crisis or worried about loved ones can call for help finding tribal-specific services and shelters.

(844) 762-8483 · National service serving SD tribes · 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.