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Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of December 22, 2023

Can I get a DVPO against a same-sex partner?

In North Carolina, you may apply for a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) against a current or former same-sex partner as long as the relationship meets the requirements listed in Who can get a domestic violence protective order (DVPO)? You must also be the victim of an act of domestic violence, which is explained here What is the legal definition of domestic violence in North Carolina?

Note: For non-married people in dating relationships or living together, the law specifically says that the people have to be of the opposite sex to file for a domestic violence protective order.1

You can find information about LGBTQIA victims of abuse and what types of barriers they may face on our LGBTQIA Victims page.

1 NCGS § 50B-1(b)(2)

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