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 Wisconsin

14 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

14 Resources

1. Wisconsin Domestic Abuse Hotline — Free

Statewide 24-hour domestic abuse hotline connecting Wisconsin survivors to local shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning resources in their county. Fathers experiencing abuse or seeking safety planning for their kids can call confidentially. Trained advocates answer day and night. No ID required. The hotline coordinates with every county DV agency in Wisconsin to ensure a warm handoff to local services.

1-800-333-7233 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

24/7 confidential hotline providing crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local Wisconsin shelters and advocacy programs in 200+ languages. Fathers who are survivors or concerned family members can call, text, or chat online. Services free and anonymous. Advocates help with safety plans, document readiness, and next-step planning whether leaving now or preparing for later.

1-800-799-7233 · National (serves all WI residents) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Sojourner Family Peace Center (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee's leading domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis line, legal advocacy, civil protection order help, counseling, and children's programs in a co-located campus with other partner services. Fathers who are survivors can call the crisis line or walk in for advocacy. Serves Milwaukee County. No appointment needed for emergencies. Bring photo ID and any existing orders if available.

414-933-2722 · 619 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) - Madison — Free

Dane County's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24-hour helpline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, civil protection order assistance, and support groups. Fathers who are survivors can call the helpline or visit the Fordem Avenue office for advocacy. Serves Dane County. Bring photo ID and any existing orders or police reports if safe to do so for fastest intake.

608-251-4445 · 2102 Fordem Ave, Madison, WI 53704 · 24-hour helpline; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. YWCA of Green Bay - DV Services — Free

Provides domestic violence crisis services, emergency shelter, counseling, children's services, and legal advocacy for survivors in Green Bay and the northeast Wisconsin region. Fathers experiencing abuse can call the 24-hour crisis line. Serves Brown County and surrounding area. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking shelter. Children are welcomed and supported.

920-432-5581 · 230 S Madison St, Green Bay, WI 54301 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

6. Racine YWCA - DV Services — Free

Serves domestic violence survivors in Racine County with 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter placement, counseling, legal advocacy, and protective order assistance. Fathers experiencing abuse can call the crisis line or visit the Spring Street office during business hours. Serves Racine County. Bring photo ID, any existing orders, and medications if safe to do so. Children are welcomed and supported in programming.

262-633-3233 · 3601 Spring St, Racine, WI 53405 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

7. Women's Community Inc. (Wausau) — Free

Serves Marathon County and surrounding central Wisconsin with domestic violence emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, and children's services despite its name - services open to all survivors including fathers. Call the crisis line for intake. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and medications if safe to do so. Advocates also assist with TRO and injunction paperwork at the courthouse.

715-842-5663 · 505 S 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

8. New Horizons Shelter (La Crosse) — Free

La Crosse County domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis support, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups for survivors including fathers and children. Call the crisis line for intake. Serves La Crosse County and surrounding western Wisconsin. Bring photo ID, any existing orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking shelter. Kids are welcomed with age-appropriate programs.

608-791-2600 · La Crosse, WI 54601 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

9. Kenosha YWCA - DV Services — Free

Serves domestic violence survivors in Kenosha County with 24-hour crisis line, shelter referrals, counseling, legal advocacy, and protection order assistance at the downtown Kenosha office. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime. Serves Kenosha County. Bring photo ID and any existing court orders if safe to do so when seeking services. Advocates assist with safety planning, court accompaniment, and resource linkage.

262-652-9900 · 916 60th St, Kenosha, WI 53140 · 24-hour crisis line

10. Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs (Appleton) — Free

Fox Valley's primary domestic violence agency providing emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, counseling, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, and children's programs. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime or walk in during business hours. Serves Outagamie, Winnebago, and Calumet counties. Bring photo ID, any existing orders, and medications if safe to do so. Children welcomed with specialized advocates and programming.

920-832-1666 · 720 W 5th St, Appleton, WI 54914 · 24-hour crisis line; office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin (Green Bay) — Free

Green Bay-based agency providing domestic violence services including 24-hour crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, supervised visitation, and specialized children's programming across northeast Wisconsin. Fathers experiencing abuse can call the crisis line or schedule an intake. Serves Brown and surrounding counties. Bring photo ID, any existing orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking services or shelter.

920-436-4360 · 300 Crooks St, Green Bay, WI 54301 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

12. Bolton Refuge House (Eau Claire) — Free

Domestic violence shelter serving Eau Claire County and surrounding western Wisconsin counties with emergency housing, 24-hour crisis support, advocacy, and support groups for survivors including fathers and children. Call the crisis line for intake. Bring photo ID, any existing orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking shelter. Advocates help with TRO paperwork, safety planning, and transition to long-term housing.

715-834-0628 · Eau Claire, WI 54701 · 24-hour crisis line · Visit Website

13. Waukesha Women's Center — Free

Serves domestic violence survivors in Waukesha County with 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and supportive services despite its name - services open to all survivors including fathers. Call the crisis line for intake. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking shelter. Advocates assist with TRO paperwork, safety planning, and resource linkage.

262-542-3828 · 726 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 · 24-hour crisis line

14. Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services (Oshkosh) — Free

Serves Winnebago County with 24-hour crisis line, domestic violence emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, children's services, and community education. Fathers experiencing abuse can call anytime. Serves Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and Winnebago County. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and medications if safe to do so when seeking shelter. Children welcomed with specialized advocates and age-appropriate programming.

920-235-5998 · 206 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI 54901 · 24-hour crisis line · 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.