Domestic violence affects individuals regardless of gender, and men can be victims of abuse from intimate partners or family members. Arizona's domestic violence laws and support systems are designed to protect all victims, and resources are available specifically for men experiencing abuse. ### **ARIZONA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (MEN): LAWS, REPORTING, AND SUPPORT** **I. Understanding Domestic Violence in Arizona** In Arizona, domestic violence is not a standalone crime but rather a designation applied to certain criminal offenses when there is a specific relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. This means that acts like assault, threatening, harassment, disorderly conduct, or criminal damage can be classified as domestic violence if committed against a protected person. **Key Points from A.R.S. § 13-3601 (Arizona's Domestic Violence Statute):** - **Relationship-Based:** The "domestic violence" designation applies if the victim and defendant have one of the following relationships: - Married or formerly married. - Residing or having resided in the same household. - Have a child in common. - One party is pregnant by the other. - Related by blood or court order (parent, grandparent, child, sibling, in-law, step-relationship). - Currently or previously in a romantic or sexual relationship (factors like length and nature of relationship are considered). - **Broad Scope of Abuse:** Domestic violence includes physical violence, threats, emotional manipulation, coercion, stalking, sexual assault, and more. - **Gender-Neutral:** Arizona law applies equally to all genders. A man can be a victim of domestic violence, and a woman or another man can be the perpetrator. **II. How to Report Domestic Violence (for Men) in Arizona** If you are a man experiencing domestic violence, reporting is a critical step towards safety and getting help. 1. **For Immediate Danger/Emergency:** - **Call 911:** If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 911. Be clear that it is a domestic violence situation. - **Text 911:** In Maricopa County and some other areas, you can text 911 if you cannot make a voice call. Provide your address immediately. 2. **For Non-Emergency Reporting or Support:** - **Local Police Department (Non-Emergency Line):** Contact your local police or sheriff's department to report incidents that are not immediate emergencies but still require law enforcement intervention. They can initiate investigations and help with safety planning. - **Maricopa County Domestic Violence Hotline:** - **Phone:** **(480) 890-3039** or toll-free **1-844-SAFEDVS (1-844-723-3387)** - **Purpose:** This hotline is available 24/7 for anyone in Maricopa County needing domestic violence support, including men. They can help with safety planning, shelter placement, and referrals. - **Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline (ACESDV):** - **Phone:** **1-800-782-6400** - **Chat:** Available on their website. - **Purpose:** A statewide resource that can connect you to local domestic violence services, legal aid, and support. They are explicitly inclusive of all genders. - **Website:** [https://arizonasurvivors.org/](https://arizonasurvivors.org/) 3. **Obtaining an Order of Protection:** - You can seek a civil **Order of Protection** through the courts. This is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting you, coming near your home or work, and can address other issues like temporary custody of children or requiring the abuser to surrender firearms. - Court advocates are often available at courthouses to assist with filing these orders. You can also use **AZPOINT (Arizona Protective Order Initiation and Notification Tool)** online to prepare the paperwork before going to court: [https://www.azpoint.azcourts.gov/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.azpoint.azcourts.gov/) **III. Support and Advocacy Resources for Male Victims** While many domestic violence services have historically focused on women, a growing number of organizations in Arizona are explicitly inclusive and recognize male victims. 1. **Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV):** - **Purpose:** A statewide coalition that works to end sexual and domestic violence. Their helpline and resources are available to all survivors, including men. They can provide referrals to local shelters, legal aid, and counseling. - **Helpline:** **1-800-782-6400** - **Website:** [https://arizonasurvivors.org/](https://arizonasurvivors.org/) 2. **A New Leaf (Maricopa County):** - **Purpose:** A large non-profit offering various social services, including comprehensive domestic and sexual violence services. They operate shelters and offer court advocacy, all of which are survivor-centered and trauma-informed, serving all genders. - **Domestic Violence Hotline:** **(480) 890-3039** or **1-844-SAFEDVS** - **Website:** [https://turnanewleaf.org/services/sexual-and-domestic-violence-services/](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://turnanewleaf.org/services/sexual-and-violence-services/) - **Shelters:** While many domestic violence shelters are configured for women and children, A New Leaf emphasizes that their services, including safe shelter, are for _all_ survivors. Inquire about placement options. 3. **Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse (Tucson/Pima County):** - **Purpose:** Provides a comprehensive range of services to individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse, including a confidential shelter, 24-hour hotline, and community-based services. They explicitly state they serve "individuals and families," which includes men. - **Hotline:** **(520) 795-4266** or **1-888-428-0101** (24 hours, multilingual) - **Website:** [https://emergecenter.org/](https://emergecenter.org/) - **Note:** While they have a "Men's Education Program," this is typically for perpetrators, not victims. However, their crisis and direct support services are for all victims. 4. **Community Legal Services (CLS):** - **Purpose:** Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Arizonans, including victims of domestic violence. This can include assistance with Orders of Protection, family law matters (divorce, custody), and other legal issues to help achieve safety and stability. They serve all victims of domestic violence. - **Phone:** (602) 258-3434 (Phoenix) or (520) 623-9465 (Tucson) - **Website:** [https://clsaz.org/legal-practice-areas/domestic-violence/](https://clsaz.org/legal-practice-areas/domestic-violence/) 5. **Arizona Bar Foundation - Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project:** - **Purpose:** A statewide network of legal aid attorneys and advocates providing free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and their children, available to men. They help with protective orders, divorce, custody, and other civil legal issues. - **Phone:** 1-866-637-5341 (Apply for legal aid) - **Website:** [https://www.azbf.org/domestic-violence-legal-assistance-project](https://www.azbf.org/domestic-violence-legal-assistance-project) 6. **National Resources (Inclusive of Men):** - **The National Domestic Violence Hotline:** - **Phone:** **1-800-799-SAFE (7233)** - **Text:** Start a text chat by texting **START** to **88788**. - **Chat:** Available on their website: [https://www.thehotline.org/](https://www.thehotline.org/) - **Purpose:** This national hotline provides confidential support, safety planning, and resources for _all_ victims of domestic violence, including men. - **DomesticShelters.org:** This website allows you to search for domestic violence shelters and programs by location, including those that specifically serve men or are explicitly gender-inclusive. - **Website:** [https://www.domesticshelters.org/](https://www.domesticshelters.org/) **IV. Important Considerations for Male Victims:** - **Societal Stigma:** Men sometimes face societal stigma or disbelief when reporting domestic violence, which can make it harder to seek help. Be aware that these biases exist, but know that help is available and your experience is valid. - **Safety Planning:** This is crucial. Even if you don't plan to leave immediately, consider steps to enhance your safety, such as having a safe place to go, an emergency bag ready, and memorizing important phone numbers. - **Documentation:** Keep records of incidents, injuries, threats, and any communications. Photos, videos, and written logs can be important for legal action or obtaining protective orders. - **Child Custody:** If children are involved, abusers may use them as leverage. Legal aid services can help navigate custody issues while prioritizing the children's safety and your rights. If you are a man experiencing domestic violence in Arizona, do not suffer in silence. Reach out to the helplines and organizations listed above. They are there to support you, regardless of your gender. Here are resources for **Arizona** specifically for men who are experiencing domestic violence: ### **1. Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV)** - **Purpose**: A statewide organization that offers resources, advocacy, and support for all individuals affected by domestic violence, including men. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (800) 782-6400 (24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline) - **Website**: [www.acesdv.org](https://www.acesdv.org) - **Services**: - ACESDV provides crisis intervention, legal resources, safety planning, and other advocacy services. They have information specifically for men who are experiencing domestic violence and can connect individuals to local resources in Arizona. --- ### **2. Men’s Resource Center (MRC) – Arizona** - **Purpose**: Offers support, counseling, and advocacy for men who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 264-7520 (Phoenix area) - **Website**: [www.mrcaz.org](http://www.mrcaz.org) - **Services**: - The Men’s Resource Center provides programs for male survivors of domestic violence, including individual and group counseling, support services, and advocacy. They help men navigate their unique challenges in seeking help for abuse. --- ### **3. National Domestic Violence Hotline** - **Purpose**: Provides confidential support for individuals affected by domestic violence, including men, and offers resources for both immediate crisis intervention and long-term support. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE) - **Text**: Text "START" to 88788 - **Website**: [www.thehotline.org](https://www.thehotline.org) - **Services**: - The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential support, crisis intervention, and guidance for anyone experiencing abuse. Men can receive advice, safety planning, and referrals to local shelters and programs. --- ### **4. Arizona Domestic Violence Helpline** - **Purpose**: A statewide helpline that provides information, support, and referrals for individuals in Arizona experiencing domestic violence, including men. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (800) 782-6400 - **Website**: [www.acesdv.org](https://www.acesdv.org) - **Services**: - The helpline connects individuals with resources in Arizona, including shelters, counseling services, and legal assistance. The helpline is available 24/7 for confidential support. --- ### **5. Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. (Phoenix)** - **Purpose**: Offers emergency shelter and long-term support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, including men. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 279-2900 - **Website**: [www.dvsas.org](https://www.dvsas.org) - **Services**: - This organization offers support services for male victims of domestic violence, including safe housing, legal advocacy, and community resources. They offer a range of services to help survivors escape dangerous situations. --- ### **6. Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS)** - **Purpose**: Though primarily focused on child protection, DCS can offer assistance and connect victims of domestic violence, including men, to family and violence prevention services. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) - **Website**: [www.azdes.gov/dcs](https://www.azdes.gov/dcs) - **Services**: - DCS provides a range of services for family support, including connecting victims of domestic violence to resources such as shelters, therapy, and legal services. This may also help male victims who are also fathers, seeking help to protect themselves and their children. --- ### **7. Men’s Health Arizona – Domestic Violence** - **Purpose**: Offers information and resources on men’s health and wellbeing, with a focus on issues such as domestic violence and abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (480) 510-3307 - **Website**: [www.menshealtharizona.org](https://www.menshealtharizona.org) - **Services**: - This organization provides resources specifically for men, offering educational material, therapy services, and referrals for those who are victims of domestic violence. It focuses on breaking the stigma around men seeking help for abuse. --- ### **8. 1in6 – National Resource for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence** - **Purpose**: Provides support, resources, and advocacy for men who have experienced sexual abuse and domestic violence. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-656-4673 (National Helpline) - **Website**: [www.1in6.org](https://www.1in6.org) - **Services**: - 1in6 focuses on male survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, offering support through a variety of resources including online forums, professional therapy referrals, and educational materials. They have a helpline and support groups specifically for men. --- ### **9. The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ men)** - **Purpose**: Provides support for LGBTQ+ individuals, including men, experiencing domestic violence or abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7 Helpline) - **Website**: [www.thetrevorproject.org](https://www.thetrevorproject.org) - **Services**: - While focused on LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project offers specialized support for men who experience domestic violence or emotional abuse. They offer crisis counseling, prevention, and resources. --- ### **10. National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)** - **Purpose**: A national organization dedicated to providing resources and support to all victims of domestic violence, including men. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-537-2238 - **Website**: [www.nrcdv.org](https://www.nrcdv.org) - **Services**: - NRCDV provides resources for survivors of domestic violence, including men. They offer training, advocacy, and guidance on creating a safe space for all survivors. They can help connect individuals to local resources and shelters. --- These resources provide men experiencing domestic violence in Arizona with crisis intervention, emotional support, safe housing, and legal services. Each organization is committed to helping men escape abusive situations and find the assistance they need to rebuild their lives.