Domestic Violence Law in North Carolina

An individual may file to obtain a domestic violence protective order in North Carolina if she or he is the victim of domestic violence, has been threatened with domestic violence or has been stalked or harassed to such a level as to cause significant emotional distress. Domestic violence protective orders generally prevent the defendant from coming within a certain distance of the plaintiff and from having any contact with the plaintiff.  Protective orders are generally entered for a year and are civil matters. However, violations of the order may be a criminal offense.

See our frequently asked questions for more information about domestic violence laws in North Carolina.