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 Texas

16 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 Texas

Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.

16 Resources

1. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 crisis line open to ALL survivors including men. Crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals in 200+ languages. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at thehotline.org — all free and confidential. Headquartered in Austin, TX. Male survivors receive the same non-judgmental, trauma-informed support as all callers. Advocates help create safety plans and connect you to local shelters and legal resources across Texas.

1-800-799-7233 · P.O. Box 90249, Austin, TX 78709 · 24/7/365 · Visit Website

2. Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) — Free

Statewide coalition supporting 75+ domestic violence programs across Texas. Connects male survivors to local shelter and service providers across all regions of the state. Call or visit their website to find a local DV program near you. TCFV advocates for survivor-centered services that include men and other underserved populations. Member programs offer emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning for all survivors of family violence in Texas.

(512) 794-1133 · P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

3. Crisis Text Line — Free

Free, 24/7 confidential crisis support via text — no phone call required. Text HOME to 741741 for help with stress, abuse, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or any crisis. Trained crisis counselors respond within minutes. Ideal for situations where calling out loud isn't safe. Available for anyone in any type of crisis including domestic violence, mental health emergencies, or overwhelming stress. Free for all US residents including all Texas areas.

Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. 1in6 — Support for Male Survivors — Free

Anonymous, confidential 24/7 live chat support for men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences. Support groups, educational resources, and resource finder at 1in6.org. Counselors are trained to support male survivors in a non-judgmental environment. No registration or personal information required to use live chat. Online support groups meet weekly. Helps men find local therapists and community resources in Texas and nationwide.

24/7 online helpline · Visit Website

5. MaleSurvivor — Free

National nonprofit for male survivors of sexual victimization. Moderated 24/7 forums, healing weekends with licensed professionals, and an international peer support network of 15,000+ members. Healing weekends are intensive therapeutic retreats for male survivors held throughout the year. Visit malesurvivor.org to access forums, find a therapist, and learn about upcoming weekend events. All services are confidential and designed specifically to support the unique experiences of male survivors.

Online forums 24/7 · Visit Website

6. The Family Place — Dallas (Men's DV Services) — Free

One of the largest family violence providers in Texas. Emergency shelters include dedicated spaces for men fleeing domestic violence. Counseling for men available at Central and Southern Dallas locations. 24-hour crisis hotline available. Legal advocacy, transitional housing, and children's services also offered. Male survivors are welcome and receive the same professional support as all clients. Call the 24-hour hotline to speak with an advocate and discuss your options.

(214) 941-1991 · P.O. Box 7999, Dallas, TX 75209 · Crisis line 24/7; Services Mon-Fri 9-5 · Visit Website

7. Family Violence Prevention Services — San Antonio — Free

Operates shelter serving women, men, and children escaping DV in San Antonio. Houses up to 200 individuals. Residential and non-residential services, legal advocacy, and counseling available. 24/7 crisis hotline in English and Spanish. Male survivors are welcome. Services include safety planning, protective order assistance, and transitional housing. Call the 24/7 hotline to speak with a bilingual advocate and get connected to emergency shelter or non-residential support.

(210) 733-8810 · P.O. Box 160428, San Antonio, TX 78280 · Crisis hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

8. AVDA — Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (Houston) — Free

Free civil legal services and counseling for DV survivors in Harris County — open to all genders including male survivors. Legal team assists with protective orders, divorce, and custody. Located in Houston, Texas. Income eligibility may apply. Call for intake information and available appointment slots. Counseling services are available alongside legal representation to provide comprehensive support to survivors navigating both the legal system and emotional recovery from domestic violence.

(713) 224-9911 · 1001 Texas Ave., Suite 600, Houston, TX 77002 · Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Visit Website

9. SafePlace — Austin (SAFE Alliance) — Free

Austin's largest DV services provider. Emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing. Serves all genders — male survivors are welcome. 24/7 SAFEline for crisis support. Call or text the SAFEline anytime to speak with a trained advocate. Services include safety planning, protective order help, court accompaniment, and children's trauma services. Contact SAFE Alliance for intake information and available shelter or non-residential services in Austin.

(512) 267-7233 · P.O. Box 19454, Austin, TX 78760 · SAFEline 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

10. Denton County Friends of the Family — Free

Comprehensive DV services for Denton County including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and children's services. 24-hour crisis line open to all genders — male survivors are welcome to call. Provides safety planning, protective order assistance, and transitional housing for survivors in Denton, Collin, and surrounding counties. Call the 24-hour crisis line to speak with an advocate and learn about available shelter beds and non-residential support services.

(940) 382-7273 · P.O. Box 640, Denton, TX 76202 · Crisis line 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

11. Montgomery County Women's Center (The Woodlands) — Free

Despite the name, serves all survivors of domestic violence in Montgomery County including The Woodlands area. Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and community education available. 24-hour hotline open to all genders. Male survivors are welcome. Call the hotline to speak with an advocate, request emergency shelter, or get connected to non-residential counseling and legal services. Serves families throughout Montgomery County, Texas.

(936) 441-7273 · P.O. Box 685, Conroe, TX 77305 · Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Brighter Tomorrows — Southeast Dallas County — Free

DV shelter and services for families escaping abuse in Southeast Dallas County. Emergency and transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs available. Serves families with children. Call the crisis line to check for available emergency shelter and learn about non-residential services. Legal advocates assist with protective orders, safety planning, and court processes. Contact Brighter Tomorrows for intake information and available support services.

(972) 262-8383 · P.O. Box 382052, Duncanville, TX 75138 · Hotline 24/7 · Visit Website

13. Center Against Sexual & Family Violence — El Paso — Free

Comprehensive DV services for the El Paso area including emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and bilingual English/Spanish support. Serves survivors of all genders. Safety planning, protective order assistance, and transitional housing available. Call the 24/7 crisis hotline to speak with a bilingual advocate about available services. Located in El Paso, Texas. Services are free and confidential to all survivors of family violence in the El Paso region.

(915) 593-7300 · 580 Giles Rd, El Paso, TX 79915 · Crisis line 24/7; office Mon-Fri 8-5 · Visit Website

14. Salvation Army Family Violence Program — Houston — Free

Emergency shelter and comprehensive support services for family violence survivors in the Houston area. Case management, counseling, and children's programming available. The Salvation Army serves survivors of all genders. Call your local Houston-area Salvation Army location or the National DV Hotline to get connected to available shelter and services. Transitional housing and financial assistance programs may also be available for qualifying survivors with children.

(713) 650-6641 · Houston, TX · Intake Mon-Fri 9-4 · Visit Website

15. Hope's Door — Collin County (Plano) — Free

DV services for Collin County including emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and counseling. 24-hour crisis hotline serving all genders — male survivors are welcome. Located in the Plano area. Call the 24-hour hotline to discuss available shelter and services. Legal advocates help with protective orders and family court proceedings. Children's services and counseling programs are available for families escaping domestic violence in Collin County.

(972) 422-2911 · P.O. Box 862568, Plano, TX 75086 · Crisis line 24/7

16. Genesis Women's Shelter & Support — Dallas — Free

Emergency and transitional shelter in Dallas with counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services. While primarily serving women, Genesis connects male survivors to appropriate Dallas-area services through their 24-hour hotline. Call their hotline and they will help direct you to the right resources for male survivors. Legal team assists with protective orders, safety planning, and family court matters for all DV survivors in Dallas County and surrounding areas.

(214) 946-4357 · Dallas, TX (confidential location) · Hotline 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.