Women's Aid in Crisis – Wheeling

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.

More Domestic Violence in West Virginia

• WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Statewide network of licensed domestic-violence programs connecting survivors and their children to emergency shelter, counseling, legal adv
• YWCA Resolve – Charleston — Domestic-violence shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning for survivors and their children in the Charleston area. Services
• Branches DV Shelter – Huntington — Emergency shelter and supportive services for domestic-violence survivors and their children in the Huntington and Tri-State area. Offers 24
• RDVIC – Morgantown — Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center serving north central West Virginia with 24/7 crisis response, shelter, counseling, and court
• Shenandoah Women's Center – Martinsburg — Domestic-violence and sexual-assault services for the Eastern Panhandle counties of Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan. Provides emergency shel
• Family Refuge Center – Lewisburg — Domestic-violence shelter and services for the Greenbrier Valley, serving Greenbrier, Monroe, Pocahontas, and Summers counties. Provides 24/

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.