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Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of December 22, 2023

What is the legal definition of domestic violence in North Carolina?

This section defines domestic violence for the purposes of getting a domestic violence protective order (DVPO). Domestic violence in North Carolina is when someone you have had a “personal relationship” with does any of the following to you or your minor child:

  • attempts to cause bodily injury, or intentionally causes bodily injury;
  • places you or a member of your family or household in fear of imminent serious bodily injury;
  • commits continued harassment, as defined by law, that rises to such a level as to inflict substantial emotional distress; or
  • commits any rape or sexual offense listed here in sections 14-27.21 through 14-27.33.1

If you have not had a “personal relationship” with the abuser, harasser or stalker, you may be eligible for a civil no-contact order.

1 NCGS § 50B-1(a)

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