National Domestic Violence Hotline

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 Washington

Washington superior courts handle family matters in each of its 39 counties. The Division of Child Support operates under DSHS. Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Bellevue are the major metros. Northwest Justice Project is the statewide LSC-funded program, with Snohomish County Legal Services, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Volunteer Legal Services, and King County Bar providing local support.

More Domestic Violence in Washington

• Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Statewide nonprofit leading efforts to end domestic violence through advocacy, policy reform, training, and support for local DV programs. S
• New Beginnings (Seattle) — Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, counseling, and children's programs for domestic violence survivors in the
• LifeWire (East King County) — Serves DV survivors in East King County (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah area) with emergency shelter, legal advocacy, housing assista
• YWCA Pierce County (Tacoma) — Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, support groups, counseling, and children's programs for DV survivors in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. Co
• YWCA Spokane - Alternatives to DV — Emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, support groups, and children's services for DV survivors in the Spokane region. Conf
• Human Response Network (Clark County) — Serves DV and sexual assault survivors in Clark County (Vancouver area) with emergency shelter, advocacy, and support services for all gende

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.