Utah Domestic Violence Coalition

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.

More Domestic Violence in Utah

• YWCA Utah – DV Services — Provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's programs for survivors of domestic violence at the Salt Lake City cam
• Center for Women & Children in Crisis – Ogden — Operates a confidential domestic violence shelter, crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for Weber County survivors. Fathers who are D
• New Hope Crisis Center – Provo — Confidential domestic violence shelter and crisis services for Utah County survivors with a 24/7 hotline, advocacy, and children's programmi
• Dove Center – St. George — Provides domestic and sexual violence shelter, crisis line, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors across Washington, Iron, Kane, and
• Safe Harbor Crisis Center – Davis County — Runs a confidential emergency domestic violence shelter, 24/7 crisis hotline, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors in Davis and Morg
• Peace House – Park City — Confidential domestic violence shelter and outreach services for survivors across Summit and Wasatch counties. Offers a 24/7 crisis line, ad

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.