Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog
October is National Domestic Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a serious issue that impacts many families every year. Victims of domestic violence may have a variety of health and emotional problems that can be long-lasting. Domestic violence is often considered an epidemic. In North Carolina, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some type of violence by an intimate or domestic partner. If you are a victim of domestic violence, report it to the police and seek help through various resources.
What is Domestic Violence?
North Carolina law defines domestic violence as “the commission of one or more of the following acts upon an aggrieved party or upon a minor child residing with or in the custody of the aggrieved party by a person with whom the aggrieved party has or had a personal relationship.” Domestic violence does not apply to acts of self-defense. Domestic violence is a crime, and the state may charge someone with a crime, and the perpetrator could face serious penalties if convicted.
Domestic violence may apply to close members of a person’s family. This includes a spouse or former spouse, a person with whom the victim resides or has lived in the past, a close relative such as a parent, child, or grandparent, a current or former member of the same household, a person involved in a dating relationship, or a person who shares a child with the other individual.
Victims of Domestic Violence
A victim of domestic violence is often in a difficult position. The first thing a victim of domestic violence should do is get away from the situation. Leave the home and seek help from a friend or relative. Immediately report the abuse to the police. Take photos of your injuries. You will want to file for an emergency protective order. A protective order is also called a restraining order. A restraining order is a legal order that prohibits someone from contacting or being near another person who is the victim of threats or abuse.
Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence face more than just physical injuries. There are also long-term emotional consequences to resolve that may last for years following an abusive relationship. There are many resources available to victims of domestic abuse. In addition to calling the police, you may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). The NDVH website provides information to assist you with everything from recognizing domestic abuse to planning for your safety and finding help.
Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety has an Office of Victim’s Compensation Office. They help victims find financial resources to help them regain their lives after abuse. You can reach them at (800) 826-6200. Local resources are also available to provide temporary housing, food, clothing, and more.
For many victims of domestic abuse, one of the next steps is to seek a divorce. Our legal team has experience helping victims of abuse as they navigate the end of their marriages. To learn more, contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation with our compassionate legal team.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-awareness-month/
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/domestic-violence/how-to-get-a-protection-order
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/domestic-violence/how-to-get-a-protection-order
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