WHY CHOOSE BREEDEN LAW OFFICE:
25
+Years of Experience
4
+Office Locations
20
+Attorneys and Staff Members
1,000
+Clients Served
300
+5-Star Reviews
How Domestic Violence Affects Families
Domestic violence impacts individuals in many relationships, economic backgrounds, and family situations. In a National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that one in five women and one in 14 men report being the victim of sexual and/or physical violence.
Direct violence against children is reprehensible, but even those who merely witness domestic abuse against a member of their family or household are at risk. By witnessing domestic violence in their homes, children may develop emotional and developmental issues and are more likely to become abusers or victims themselves.
In some domestic situations, there is not always a clear indication of who is the abuser, and who is the victim. Contentious court battles can also lead to false allegations of domestic abuse.
Regardless of the specifics, an experienced Angier domestic violence lawyer will take all steps necessary to help you resolve the situation. Whether you need emergency help, temporary protection, or long-term assistance, the our family lawyers in Angier, NC will help you understand your options.
Domestic Violence Laws in North Carolina
Though you should always trust a domestic violence attorney to represent you in connection with legal issues and court proceedings, you may find it useful to review some general concepts under North Carolina’s domestic abuse laws, outlined in North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) § 50B.
Forms of Domestic Violence
Generally, there must be some connection between a victim and an abuser to be considered domestic abuse. Individuals who share one (or more) of the following personal relationships qualify for protection:
- Married spouses
- Individuals who are divorced
- People of the opposite sex who live together
- Parents and children
- Grandparents and grandchildren
- Anyone who takes on the role as parent of a minor child
- A couple having a child together
- Individuals of the opposite sex who are involved in a dating relationship
Surviving Domestic Violence in NC
If you’ve suffered domestic violence or abuse in North Carolina, you have rights to protect you and your family. Our Angier domestic violence lawyers can help you.
Watch Video
Acts that Constitute Domestic Violence
Domestic abuse takes many forms, including:
- Willfully causing bodily injury
- Threats or attempts to make the victim fear serious bodily injury
- Sexual assault, rape, or specified sex crimes
- Continued, persistent harassment intended to induce fear
Unfortunately, those who suffer from domestic abuse are often so closely connected with the perpetrator that they don’t recognize the signs of harm. Some examples may help you identify the presence of domestic violence in your life, including:
- Coercion or threats in sexual situations
- Extreme jealousy, often accompanied by outward resentment toward other people in your life
- Overbearing, controlling behavior
- Demands that you get permission to go about your daily routine
- Verbal abuse and insulting comments
- Blaming you for violent acts
- Allegations that you don’t support the abuser
Even when you recognize the clear signs of domestic abuse, you may not know your rights or the remedies that are available to you. Angier domestic violence lawyer Jonathan Breeden can explain your options and help make informed decisions about how to address your situation.
Related Domestic Violence Topics
How to Take Action Against Domestic Violence
The laws against domestic violence are harsh, especially when children are direct or indirect victims. You have several legal remedies at your disposal, depending on your circumstances and objectives. There are also many domestic abuse resources around Angier and Harnett County that offer support for families in need.
Legal Remedies
The most common method of fighting against domestic violence is to obtain a protective order from the court. You may know this remedy as getting a restraining order, which prohibits a perpetrator from interacting with you. North Carolina provides two types of protective orders:
50B Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) – This is a restraining order specifically designed for victims of domestic violence. It gives the judge more discretion in prohibiting contact between abusers and victims, as well as gives law enforcement more authority to punish violations. To obtain a DVPO, you will need to attend a full hearing so your abuser and opposing attorneys may present evidence to fight your claims.
- Temporary Protective Order (TPO) – Also known as an ex-parte order, may be requested when you need emergency protection against an abuser. Notifying the individual the order is against isn’t required, and the defendant won’t have an opportunity to appear in court. Ex-parte orders are only for 10 days, after which you’ll have a hearing in front of a Judge and they will decide whether to extend it for a year.
If you have questions or concerns regarding what type of protection order you should seek, contact an Angier domestic violence lawyer right away.
Your Rights as a Victim of Domestic Violence in NC
Learn more about your rights as a victim of domestic violence in North Carolina.
Angier, NC, Domestic Violence Resources & Information
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, you’re not alone. The NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement report that in the last six months of 2020, crisis organizations around the state were called or contacted 50,722 times for an average of 278 daily.
Law enforcement, organizations, and the Breeden Law Office wants to help too. If you’re dealing with domestic violence, don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. No one deserves abuse, and luckily there are numerous resources at your disposal.
Harnett County Domestic Violence Resources
Though you may feel helpless, resources can help you get through this crisis.
Law Enforcement
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, call 911. The Angier Police Department’s business line is 919-639-2699, and their office is located in the Town Hall on 55 North Broad St. West in Angier. Just because you have a relationship with your abuser doesn’t mean what you suffered isn’t a crime.
Domestic violence includes:
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Stalking
- Murder
About a quarter of women and ten percent of men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Criminal Prosecution
The Harnett & Lees County District Attorney’s Office – 910-814-4500 – will handle your case, and the Harnett County Criminal Court – 910-814-4600 – will decide it. Both are located at 301 W. Cornelius Harnett Blvd. in Lillington.
Protective Orders
You may qualify for a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO), also known as a restraining or 50B order. This order will keep the abuser away from you and your children.
If you’re not a good fit for the Breeden Law Office, you may get legal help from Legal Aid of North Carolina – 866-219-5262. They offer a video explaining the domestic violence court process. The eNOugh Campaign also has guidance on a DVPO.
Shelter
If you can’t stay with friends or family, a shelter may be available through SAFE of Harnett County – 910-893-7233. People are often victimized in their homes by the people they live with. To stop the cycle of violence and start a new life, you may need a new place to live.
Lost Wages and Medical Bills
You may qualify for help with medical expenses and lost wages through the state’s Victims Compensation Services – 919-733-7974.
If the violence against you includes rape, they also have a rape victim’s assistance program. You may have suffered injuries that needed treatment. Because of the disruption in your life, you may have lost work hours or your job
Emotional Support
SAFE offers crisis counseling and support as well as support groups. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, 24/7, TTY: 1-800-787-3224.
Experiencing domestic violence is traumatizing. Although your injuries will heal, the emotional impact can last a lifetime. Emotional help could be critical to understanding your situation and moving past this dark time in your life.
How a Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help
Domestic violence matters are extremely complicated because they combine a technical area of law with very private, personal situations. Angier domestic violence lawyer Jonathan Breeden is here to provide the legal services and support to help protect your safety, health, and life. He is adept at the tools and tasks necessary to fight domestic abuse, including:
- Drafting the filings and supporting documents for protective orders
- Representing your interests in court hearings
- Ensuring protective orders are enforced
- Defending your interests if you’re falsely accused of domestic abuse
Since domestic abuse is punishable by law, attorney Breeden will ensure that your rights remain protected if you stand accused of violence. A criminal conviction carries serious penalties, but you are entitled to defend the charges against you.
CALL BREEDEN LAW OFFICE TODAY:
(919) 809-6599Hear from Our Clients
Breeden Law offered exceptional service. I felt extremely comfortable talking with Jonathan and the office staff was pleasant and organized.
Mr. Breeden was very professional. He gave me honest input regarding possible outcomes of my case. He was very responsive when I had a question and when responding to emails. He knows custody law very well and got me exactly what I wanted with regards to my case. I would definitely use him again if needed.
A custody battle is never easy; even harder when you are a grandparent seeking custody. Jonathan Breeden handled our case with great diligence, but oh so delicately. I received full, permanent custody, with no harsh feelings from any parties concerned. Together with Jonathan, there was even suitable visitation arrangements made.