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 Utah

15 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 Utah

Utah district courts handle family law in each of its eight judicial districts; juvenile courts handle parentage and some custody matters. The Office of Recovery Services (ORS) operates child support enforcement. Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan are the largest cities. Utah Legal Services and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake provide free civil representation.

15 Resources

1. Utah Domestic Violence Coalition — Free

Statewide network connecting survivors of domestic and sexual violence to shelters, counseling, legal advocacy, and crisis services. The 24/7 LinkLine at 800-897-5465 screens callers and connects them to the closest member program. Fathers who are themselves survivors, or are helping a partner or child, can call anytime for confidential help. No fee and no documentation is required; interpreter services are available for non-English speakers.

800-897-5465 · 205 N 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. YWCA Utah – DV Services — Free

Provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for survivors of domestic violence at the Salt Lake City campus. Fathers who are survivors can call the 24/7 crisis line for screening and admission. Services, including childcare and case management, are free to survivors. Bring whatever identification and documents you can safely carry, including children's birth certificates and any protective order paperwork.

801-537-8600 · 322 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Center for Women & Children in Crisis – Ogden — Free

Operates a confidential domestic violence shelter, crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for Weber County survivors. Fathers who are DV survivors can call the 24/7 crisis line for screening, and services include support groups and case management. All services are free. If safe to do so, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, medication, and any existing protective order or custody paperwork when arriving at the shelter.

801-392-7273 · PO Box 1403, Ogden, UT 84402 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. New Hope Crisis Center – Provo — Free

Confidential domestic violence shelter and crisis services for Utah County survivors with a 24/7 hotline, advocacy, and children's programming. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime for screening and safe placement. All services are free. If safe to do so, bring identification, children's birth certificates and medical information, medications, and copies of any custody or protective orders to speed intake at the confidential Provo facility.

801-377-5500 · PO Box 572, Provo, UT 84603 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Dove Center – St. George — Free

Provides domestic and sexual violence shelter, crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors across Washington, Iron, Kane, and Beaver counties in southern Utah. Fathers experiencing abuse can call the 24/7 crisis line anytime for screening. All services are free and confidential. If it is safe to do so, bring identification, children's documents, medications, and any protective order or custody paperwork when coming to intake.

435-628-0458 · PO Box 2972, St. George, UT 84771 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Safe Harbor Crisis Center – Davis County — Free

Runs a confidential emergency domestic violence shelter, 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors in Davis and Morgan counties. Fathers experiencing abuse can call any hour for a screening and safe placement. All services are free. If safely possible, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, medications, and copies of any protective order or custody paperwork to assist staff during shelter intake.

801-444-3191 · PO Box 952, Kaysville, UT 84037 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. Peace House – Park City — Free

Confidential domestic violence shelter and outreach services for survivors across Summit and Wasatch counties. Offers a 24/7 crisis line, advocacy, counseling, and children's programs. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime for screening. All services are free. If safe, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates and medical information, medications, and any protective order or custody paperwork when arriving at the confidential facility.

435-647-9161 · PO Box 982135, Park City, UT 84098 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. National DV Hotline – Utah — Free

Operates a 24/7 national hotline connecting survivors of domestic violence to local Utah shelters, legal help, and support services. Fathers experiencing abuse, or concerned about a loved one, can call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 from anywhere in the country. Services are free, confidential, and available in more than 200 languages through live interpreters. No documentation or insurance is required to speak with an advocate.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. CAPSA – Cache County — Free

Provides shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and a 24/7 crisis line for domestic violence survivors in Cache County and the Logan area. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime for screening, with children's services and case management available. All services are free. If safely possible, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates and medication, and any protective order or custody paperwork when arriving at the confidential facility.

435-753-2500 · PO Box 3617, Logan, UT 84323 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. Canyon Creek Women's Crisis Center – Tooele — Free

Operates a 24/7 domestic violence crisis line, shelter, advocacy, and counseling services for residents of Tooele County. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime for screening and emergency placement. All services are free and confidential. If safe to do so, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, medications, and any protective order or custody paperwork when arriving. Case managers help with housing and legal next steps.

435-882-6888 · Tooele, UT 84074 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

11. Seekhaven Family Crisis Center – Moab — Free

Confidential domestic violence shelter and 24/7 crisis line serving Grand and San Juan counties. Fathers experiencing abuse in southeastern Utah can call anytime for screening, advocacy, and emergency placement. All services are free and include children's programs, counseling, and legal advocacy. If safe, bring photo ID, children's documents, medications, and any existing protective or custody orders when arriving at intake for the Moab facility.

435-259-2229 · PO Box 1358, Moab, UT 84532 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. Iron County CARE Center — Free

Provides domestic violence and child abuse crisis services, shelter referrals, forensic interviews, and advocacy to Iron County residents from the Cedar City office. Fathers experiencing abuse, or supporting a child witness, can call the 24/7 crisis line for screening and safety planning. All services are free and confidential. Bring photo ID, children's documents, and any protective order or custody paperwork when coming in for intake.

435-867-4357 · Cedar City, UT 84720 · 24/7 crisis line

13. South Valley Services – Sandy — Free

Operates domestic violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and a 24/7 crisis line serving the south Salt Lake Valley and Tooele County areas from the Sandy office. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime for screening and safe placement. All services are free. If safe to do so, bring photo ID, children's birth certificates, medications, and any protective order or custody paperwork when coming to the confidential shelter location.

801-255-1095 · PO Box 1362, Sandy, UT 84091 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

14. Family Justice Center – Salt Lake — Free

One-stop co-located center in downtown Salt Lake City where domestic violence survivors can meet with police, prosecutors, legal advocates, and counselors in a single visit. Fathers experiencing abuse can walk in during business hours or call ahead to make an appointment. Services are free and confidential. Bring photo ID, any existing protective orders, police reports, and documentation of the abuse or child-safety concerns.

801-236-3370 · 310 S Main St #200, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. Your Community Connection – Ogden DV Services — Free

Provides family violence prevention, crisis intervention, shelter referrals, and advocacy services for residents of Weber County from the Ogden office. Fathers experiencing abuse can call weekdays or the 24/7 crisis line after hours for screening and assistance. All services are free and confidential. Bring photo ID, children's birth certificates and medical information, and any protective order or custody paperwork to the intake appointment.

801-394-9456 · Ogden, UT 84401 · Mon-Fri 9am-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.