Domestic violence can take many forms, leaving victims feeling isolated and afraid. North Carolina law empowers individuals experiencing domestic violence within their personal relationships to seek legal protection. This article explores the resources available in North Carolina, including Domestic Violence Protective Orders, to help victims regain control and achieve safety.
From July 2021 to June 2022, over 80,000 domestic violence cases were brought before North Carolina courts. This is a troublesome number, but also provides assurance North Carolina courts are here to help.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, a potential solution may be filing for a Domestic Violence Protective Order or Domestic Violence Protection Order, commonly known as a DVPO. A DVPO orders the person causing harm to stay away; if the person fails to stay away, they can be arrested for violation of the DVPO.
What is a Domestic Violence Protective Order?
A DVPO is a court order issued to protect an individual from further domestic violence. A DVPO legally prohibits the abuser from specific actions and outlines potential consequences for violating the order. This civil legal remedy is available to both female and male victims of domestic violence.
A common misconception about domestic violence is that the harmful act needs to be physical; it does not. Domestic violence can certainly be physical, but can also manifest through sexual and emotional abuse, manipulation, threats, intentional public humiliation and name-calling, isolation, and control over another person’s access to money, communication, and travel. After filing a DVPO, a judge will specifically look for findings the defendant (person causing harm) attempted to cause physical injury, caused fear of imminent serious bodily injury, engaged in continued harassment causing substantial emotional distress, or sexually assaulted the victim.
DVPOs are available to anyone experiencing domestic violence within their personal relationships. North Carolina courts define personal relationships as those occurring between spouses, ex-spouses, relatives, someone you have dated or are dating, someone you share a child with, or someone formerly or currently in your household.
DPVOs last one year but can be renewed.
Do Domestic Violence Protective Orders show up on a criminal record?
A DVPO will not show up on the defendant’s criminal record unless they violate the order. However, any documents filed in reference to the DVPO will become public record.
Are there filing fees for a Domestic Violence Protective Order?
No, there are no filing fees for a DVPO.
We are here for you:
If you are interested in a consultation regarding a domestic violence protective order you filed or would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to call us today at 252-757-3535, or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
In case of a crisis:
The Graham Nuckolls Conner Law Firm is located in Pitt County, North Carolina. While we may not be available 24/7, there are services that are. Below are several services available to domestic violence victims. If you need immediate assistance or cannot reach us outside of our office hours, the following services are available to you in a nearby location.
Buncombe County – Helpmate (Crisis: 828-254-0516)
Craven County – Coastal Women’s Shelter (Crisis: 252-638-5995)
Edgecombe County – My Sister’s House (Crisis: (toll free): 888-465-9507 / 252-459-3094)
Lenoir County – SAFE in Lenoir County (Crisis: 252-523-5573)
Martin County – Center for Family Violence Prevention (Crisis: 252-752-3811)
Pitt County – Center for Family Violence Prevention (Crisis: 252-752-3811)
Wilson County – Wesley Shelter (Crisis: 252-291-2344)
Pitt County/ North Carolina – REAL Crisis Center (Crisis: 252-758-4357)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233.
About The Graham Nuckolls Conner Law Firm:
At the Graham Nuckolls Conner Law Firm, we understand that legal matters can arise in various aspects of life. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. We handle complex family law matters, guiding clients through separation and divorce, property division, and child custody and visitation agreements. Our team can also draft premarital and postnuptial agreements to safeguard your assets, as well as separation agreements to streamline the separation process. Additionally, we assist with spousal and child support matters and offer support for victims of domestic violence.
Visit our website or call us at 252-757-3535 to schedule a consultation.
