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

Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
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)