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 West Virginia

11 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 West Virginia

West Virginia Family Court is a statewide unified system handling divorce, custody, and child support. The Bureau for Child Support Enforcement operates under DHHR. Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Morgantown are the largest cities. Legal Aid of West Virginia is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

11 Resources

1. WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

Statewide network of licensed domestic-violence programs connecting survivors and their children to emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning. The 24/7 hotline routes callers to the nearest member program. Fathers who are victims or who need help protecting their children can call confidentially from anywhere in the state. Based in Elkview with member shelters across all regions of West Virginia.

304-965-3552 · 5564 Little Kanawha Tpke, Elkview, WV 25071 · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

2. YWCA Resolve – Charleston — Free

Domestic-violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning for survivors and their children in the Charleston area. Services are free and confidential; the 24/7 crisis line connects callers to immediate safety planning and shelter intake. Located on Kanawha Boulevard East in downtown Charleston. Fathers who are victims or who are protecting their children can call any time for help with protective orders and court accompaniment.

304-340-3549 · 1426 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25301 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Branches DV Shelter – Huntington — Free

Emergency shelter and supportive services for domestic-violence survivors and their children in the Huntington and Tri-State area. Offers 24/7 crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional support. Services are free and confidential. Call the crisis line any time for safety planning or shelter intake; mailing address in Huntington and physical location kept confidential for safety. Serves Cabell and surrounding counties.

304-529-2382 · PO Box 403, Huntington, WV 25708 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. RDVIC – Morgantown — Free

Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center serving north central West Virginia with 24/7 crisis response, shelter, counseling, and court advocacy for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Free and confidential services. Based in Morgantown with a confidential shelter location; call the crisis line any time for safety planning or intake. Fathers can also access support for children exposed to violence. Serves Monongalia and surrounding counties.

304-292-5100 · PO Box 4228, Morgantown, WV 26504 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

5. Shenandoah Women's Center – Martinsburg — Free

Domestic-violence and sexual-assault services for the Eastern Panhandle counties of Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan. Provides emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and court accompaniment at no cost. Mailing address in Martinsburg; shelter location confidential for survivor safety. Fathers who are victims or who need help protecting children from an abuser can call the crisis line any time for help.

304-263-8292 · PO Box 1783, Martinsburg, WV 25402 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

6. Women's Aid in Crisis – Wheeling — Free

Domestic-violence shelter and services for the Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties. Provides 24/7 crisis response, safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional support for survivors and their children. Mailing address in Wheeling; shelter location kept confidential. All services are free. Fathers seeking help for themselves or their children can call the crisis line at any hour.

304-232-2748 · PO Box 2203, Wheeling, WV 26003 · 24/7 crisis line

7. Family Refuge Center – Lewisburg — Free

Domestic-violence shelter and services for the Greenbrier Valley, serving Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas, and Summers counties. Provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education at no cost. Mailing address in Lewisburg; shelter site confidential for safety. Fathers who are victims or protecting their children can call the hotline any time for safety planning and intake.

304-645-6334 · PO Box 249, Lewisburg, WV 24901 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

8. National DV Hotline – West Virginia — Free

24/7 national domestic-violence hotline that connects West Virginia callers to local shelters, legal advocacy, and safety-planning resources. Free, confidential, and available in more than 200 languages. Fathers who are victims or who are concerned for their children's safety can call, text, or chat from anywhere in the state for immediate help and warm referrals to WV member programs.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

9. WV Foundation for Rape Information & Services — Free

Statewide coalition supporting sexual assault service providers across West Virginia with training, policy advocacy, and public education. Connects survivors and concerned family members to local 24/7 crisis programs. Based on Braddock Street in Fairmont; the statewide hotline routes callers to their nearest rape crisis center. Fathers seeking help for themselves or a child can call any time for referrals.

304-366-9500 · 112 Braddock St, Fairmont, WV 26554 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. Hope Inc. – Fairmont — Free

Domestic-violence shelter and services for north central West Virginia, including Marion, Harrison, and Taylor counties. Offers 24/7 crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors and their children. Mailing address in Fairmont with a confidential shelter location. All services are free. Fathers who need help for themselves or their children can call the crisis line at any hour for intake.

304-367-1100 · PO Box 626, Fairmont, WV 26555 · 24/7 crisis line

11. CONTACT Huntington – Crisis & DV Line — Free

24/7 crisis intervention and domestic-violence support line serving the Tri-State area around Huntington. Trained listeners provide emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to local shelters and legal resources. Calls are free and confidential. Fathers in crisis or concerned about their family's safety can call any hour of the day or night from Cabell, Wayne, and surrounding counties.

304-523-3448 · Huntington, WV 25701 · 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.