WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
February 6, 2020

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;
  • continued harassment (as defined here) 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)

Legal Information

© 2008–2019 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.