YWCA Knoxville - DV Services

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.

More Domestic Violence in Tennessee

• Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence — Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence and sexual assault services across Tennessee. Operates training, policy advocacy, and ref
• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local Tennessee domestic violence programs in 200
• YWCA Nashville - Domestic Violence Services — Provides emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for domestic violence survivors in Nashvil
• Family Safety Center of Memphis — One-stop center for domestic violence survivors in Memphis providing crisis services, legal advocacy (including orders of protection), couns
• Partnership for Families, Children and Adults (Chattanooga) — Serves Chattanooga-area domestic violence survivors with emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs. Surv
• Haven of Hope (Clarksville) — Domestic violence shelter and services for survivors in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area, including the Fort Campbell military communi

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.