WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

View all
Laws current as of December 22, 2023

What are the legal definitions of “nonconsensual sexual conduct” and “stalking” in North Carolina?

For the purposes of getting a civil no-contact order, you have to be the victim of either unwanted (nonconsensual) sexual conduct or stalking. These two acts may also be referred to as “unlawful conduct” in court.

Nonconsensual sexual conduct is generally any intentional touching, fondling, or sexual act, either directly or through your clothing, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal that you did not consent to. For the exact definition, please go to our Selected North Carolina Statutes page.

Stalking is generally when someone repeatedly follows or harasses you with the intent to place you in reasonable fear for your safety or your immediate family’s safety or to cause you emotional distress.1 For the exact definition, please go to our Selected North Carolina Statutes page.

1 NCGS § 50C-1(4), (6), (7)

Legal Information

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.