Stop Domestic Violence in North Carolina

RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL VIOLENCE

If you or someone you know is questioning whether the relationship you are involved in might have the potential for violence, consider the Gabby Petito questions in the "The Mandatory Questions Asked Under The 12 Questions Bill:

1. Did the aggressor ever use a weapon against you or threaten you with a weapon?
2. Did the aggressor ever threaten to kill you or your children?
3. Do you believe the aggressor will try to kill you?
4. Has the aggressor ever choked you or attempted to choke you?
5. Does the aggressor have a gun, or could the aggressor easily obtain a gun?
6. Is the aggressor violently or constantly jealous, or does the aggressor control most of your daily activities?
7. Did you leave or separate from the aggressor after you were living together or married?
8. Is the aggressor unemployed?
9. To the best of your knowledge, has the aggressor ever attempted suicide?
10. Do you have a child whom the aggressor believes is not the aggressor’s biological child?
11. Has the aggressor ever followed, spied on, or left threatening messages for you?
12. Is there anything else that worries you about your safety and, if so, what worries you?

IF YOU NEED HELP OR ARE UNSURE

If you’re not sure, call 911 first. Better to be safe than sorry, and the responders will surely feel the same.

Wake County Victim Services/Domestic Violence Unit

In Person: You can visit the Domestic Violence Clerk in Room 527

By Phone:  919-792-4110,  919-856-7338,  919-856-5623,  919-856-6816

By Email: Victim_Services@wake.gov

By Fax:  919-743-7369

To talk with someone, you can call Wake County 24hr Hotline (919) 828-7740.

Interact may be reached at (919) 828-7501 and they will provide support services in Wake County.                     

North Carolina Support Services:

Vividbound: (800) 506-6834                       

Kiran: (877) 625-4726 (for South Asian women)                                   

Women Veterans Support Services

Call (919) 276-5083 or text 9196969572                                     

Use this link for the County in which you live for services. “Get Help” Map every County in North Carolina NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence       

Shelter: The Women’s Center (919) 829-3711     

THE PROCESS

After calling 911 and reporting domestic violence, your very next step is to call a lawyer. If you cant afford a lawyer, you can reach out to LegalAid or the Wake County Legal Support Center. 

After an act of domestic violence, it is imperative to immediately file a Complaint in District Court requesting a Chapter 50B Domestic Violence Protection Order.

Q: How can I obtain a DVPO in Wake County?

A: See the following:

1. Go to the Wake County Courthouse located at 316 Fayetteville St., Room 527, 5^th Floor Civil Clerk of Court and Domestic Violence Unit to obtain the paperwork and complete it.  We can help you with this and we have the forms as well.
2. Complete the paperwork with detailed information including dates. This is a very important step, details matter, history matters, we know what needs to be stated and how in the paperwork.
3. For 50B filings, effective February 2023, Efiling Options in Wake County are available, eCourts Guide & File – Domestic Violence. File electronically at https://northcarolina.tylertech.cloud/SRL/ . You will still need to appear in person to request an order. 
4. New filings are accepted between 8:30am and 3:30pm, weekdays except state holidays.
5. The Order will be heard in Courtroom 5A/5B. When the Judge calls your name, you will be sworn in to testify about the complaint you have filed.
6. Once the Judge signs the paperwork, go back to Room 527. The Clerk will make you copies of the Order.

RELIEF

Chapter 50B Domestic Violence   

G.S.50B-3(a) Relief includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Direct a party to refrain from such acts.
2. Grant to a party possession of the residence or household of the parties and exclude the other party from the residence or household.
3. Require a party to provide a spouse and his or her children suitable alternate housing.
   
4. Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights.
5. Order the eviction of a party from the residence or household and assistance to the victim in returning to it.
6. Order either party to make payments for the support of a minor child as required by law.
7. Award attorney's fees to either party.

HEAL

At this point you are probably 14-45 days from the day of the act of domestic violence. A lot has happened in the past few weeks or possibly months. It’s time to let all that stress go and begin to heal. You have taken a huge first step in your journey. Do not let the past dictate where you go or who you will become. Don’t look back and question, move forward. You are not a victim… you are a survivor.

RECOMMENDED READING MATERIAL

Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women’s Workbook

by Mary Ellen Copeland MS MA and Maxine Harris PhD

Recover and Rebuild Domestic Violence Workbook: Moving on from Partner Abuse By Stacie Freudenberg, PsD

Path to Empowerment: Breaking Free from Domestic Violence

by Vivian Shaku

Worth of Love: A Gentle and Restorative Path to Healing after Narcissistic Abuse

By Debbie Mirza

We Are Here to Help!

If you or a loved one would like to sit down and discuss your personal situation, please contact us using the form below, or call our law office at (919) 424-8319.