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 Tennessee

12 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 Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services, and West Tennessee Legal Services cover the state.

12 Resources

1. Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence — Free

Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence and sexual assault services across Tennessee. Operates training, policy advocacy, and referrals to local member programs. Serves survivors, advocates, and allied professionals statewide. The coalition does not typically provide direct crisis services; survivors in immediate need should call 911 or the National DV Hotline. Callers seeking program referrals should have their county, safety needs, and any protective order information ready.

615-386-9406 · 2 International Plaza, Suite 425, Nashville, TN 37217 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Tennessee domestic violence programs in 200+ languages via phone, text (START to 88788), and chat. Serves survivors, friends, and family members statewide. No photo ID, insurance, or appointment is required. Callers can speak anonymously; advocates can help identify nearby shelters, legal aid programs, and law-enforcement-based victim services in Tennessee.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all TN residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. YWCA Nashville - Domestic Violence Services — Free

Provides emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for domestic violence survivors in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Serves survivors of all genders. Intake begins with a call to the crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can help with orders of protection, safety planning, and connections to legal aid.

615-242-1199 · 1608 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Family Safety Center of Memphis — Free

One-stop center for domestic violence survivors in Memphis providing crisis services, legal advocacy (including orders of protection), counseling, and direct connections to community partners under one roof. Serves survivors in Shelby County. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours; survivors should bring photo ID when available, along with any prior court documents or police reports, but services are not denied if those items are unavailable due to the abusive situation.

901-222-4400 · 1750 Madison Ave, Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. YWCA Knoxville - DV Services — Free

Provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, support groups, and legal advocacy for domestic violence survivors in the Knoxville and East Tennessee area. Serves survivors of all genders. Intake begins through the 24-hour crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can help with orders of protection, safety planning, and referrals to legal aid and community partners.

865-523-6126 · 420 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Partnership for Families, Children and Adults (Chattanooga) — Free

Serves Chattanooga-area domestic violence survivors with emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs. Survivors of all genders are welcome. Intake begins through the 24-hour crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can assist with orders of protection, safety planning, and connections to legal aid, housing, and community partners.

423-755-2800 · 300 E 8th St, Chattanooga, TN 37403 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Haven of Hope (Clarksville) — Free

Domestic violence shelter and services for survivors in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area, including the Fort Campbell military community. Serves survivors of all genders. Intake begins through the 24-hour crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can help with orders of protection, safety planning, and referrals to legal aid, military family advocacy, and housing resources.

931-552-6900 · Confidential location, Clarksville, TN 37040 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

8. Salvation Army Nashville - DV Services — Free

Emergency shelter and support services for domestic violence survivors in the Nashville area through the Family Center of Hope. Serves survivors in Davidson and surrounding counties. Intake is through the shelter's 24/7 line; residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can help with safety planning, case management, and referrals to legal aid, counseling, and longer-term housing programs.

615-242-0411 · 140 N 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213 · 24/7 shelter; office Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

9. Avalon Center (Williamson County) — Free

Serves Williamson County domestic violence survivors with emergency shelter, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, and children's programs. Serves survivors of all genders. Intake begins through the 24-hour crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can assist with orders of protection, safety planning, and referrals to legal aid, housing programs, and community partners.

615-472-0742 · Confidential location, Franklin, TN 37064 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. YWCA of Kingsport - DV Services — Free

Provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and support for domestic violence survivors in the Tri-Cities area of East Tennessee. Serves survivors of all genders. Intake begins through the 24-hour crisis line; shelter residents may be asked for photo ID when available, but services are not denied for lack of ID. Advocates can help with orders of protection, safety planning, and referrals to legal aid, housing, and community resources in Sullivan County.

423-246-4004 · Confidential location, Kingsport, TN 37660 · 24-hour crisis line

11. Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (Nashville) — Free

Specialized Nashville Metro Police team responding to high-risk domestic violence cases with dedicated victim advocates providing on-scene safety planning and resource connections. Serves Davidson County residents. Survivors connect with the team through 911 calls or referrals from responding officers. Advocates follow up with case information, help coordinate orders of protection, and connect survivors to shelters, legal aid, and counseling after initial contact.

615-862-8600 · Nashville, TN · 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Tennessee Child Advocacy Centers — Free

Network of child advocacy centers across Tennessee providing forensic interviews, victim advocacy, and family support for child abuse and serious maltreatment cases. Serves children, non-offending caregivers, and multidisciplinary teams statewide. Families are typically referred through law enforcement or the Department of Children's Services; non-offending caregivers should bring photo ID, case numbers, and any court or DCS paperwork to appointments. Services are free for referred families.

615-460-8644 · Centers in major Tennessee cities · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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.