Am I safe if I accuse my partner of domestic violence in North Carolina?
Victims of abuse are protected by North Carolina domestic violence laws. While the law doesn’t always prevent abusers from retaliating, there are many ways victims of domestic violence in North Carolina can protect themselves:
- Those in danger of immediate harm can file a petition for a temporary domestic violence protection order. Temporary orders can be approved within a few days of filing a petition.
- After obtaining a temporary domestic violence protection order, victims can request a long-term protective order at a later hearing. This prohibits the abuser from continuing to stalk, harass, or abuse the victim for up to a year.
- There is an Address Confidentiality Program available for victims of domestic violence in North Carolina. This helps victims conceal their address for added protection from abusers.
- If a victim’s living situation is unsafe and they have nowhere to go, victims can stay at domestic violence shelters in North Carolina.