Domestic Violence

Some couples after been abused and faced with domestic violence, tend to be quiet about it in order to prevent a broken home for their children. In this blog post, I will describe how domestic violence has dissolved many marriages in North Carolina and how one can be free from been abused.

Numerous facets of a divorce case may be significantly impacted by domestic violence. When making decisions about everything from parenting time to permanent restraining orders to spousal support, the court will take evidence of domestic abuse into account. You should consult with a knowledgeable North Carolina domestic violence divorce attorney if you are thinking about ending your marriage due to abuse at home.

It is crucial to record any kind of abuse, regardless of when it happens, before or after the victim files for divorce. A victim of domestic abuse should make it a top priority to relocate, if it is safe to do so, so that their spouse cannot find them. The person may then ask a family court or domestic violence agency for additional protection.

Domestic Violence Laws in North Carolina

Domestic violence is defined by North Carolina law (Chapter 50B) as abuse or violence between individuals in a personal relationship. The laws offer resources, legal protections, and remedies to victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse in North Carolina includes:

1. Physical aggression
2. Sexual assault
3. Abuse of emotions
4. Stalking

Hitting or kicking a spouse is a common form of physical abuse that is linked to domestic violence, also known as abuse. However, any behavior that jeopardizes the health and safety of a spouse can be referred to as domestic violence. When a spouse undermines a person’s mental health with criticism or threats, that is considered emotional abuse. Domestic violence can also be committed by a spouse by keeping their partner alone or denying them access to money for basic needs like food and housing. Domestic abuse includes stalking, and those who engage in it risk restraining orders and legal action under state anti-stalking statutes.

Forced sexual relations or control over reproductive methods can result in sexual abuse. While many states use the “cycle of violence” to assess whether a person is experiencing domestic abuse, some states even classify isolated incidents of violence as domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse victims are legally permitted to request a protective order. The accused abuser may be ordered by the court to avoid contact with the victim and to keep their distance.

In addition, North Carolina law offers additional remedies to safeguard victims of domestic abuse, such as orders granting temporary custody of children and orders mandating payment of medical bills, counseling fees, and other related costs by the abuser.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on the Divorce Procedure

In North Carolina, divorce proceedings can be significantly impacted by domestic abuse. The court may take this into account when deciding on child custody, spousal support, and property division in situations where one spouse has been the victim of domestic abuse.

In a divorce, a victim of domestic abuse may be able to get a permanent protection order that limits contact between the abuser and the victim’s children. In cases where children are involved in a divorce, the court will take their best interests into account when making decisions regarding visitation and custody.
To protect the children, the court may be more inclined to grant custody to the other parent in cases where one of the parents has a history of domestic abuse or to impose supervised visitation.
Domestic abuse can have an impact on property division and spousal support in a divorce, in addition to child custody. When deciding how much and how long to provide spousal support, the court in North Carolina takes into account a number of factors, such as:

1. How long the marriage lasted
2. The earnings and potential for each spouse
3. The roles that each partner played in the marriage
4. Adultery in marriage.

Restraining Orders and Emergency Orders

Restraining orders, sometimes referred to as protective orders or injunctions, are court-mandated measures intended to shield victims of domestic abuse from their perpetrator. A domestic violence court can issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to a person in a short amount of time, without requiring them to appear in court or have a full hearing; however, long-term restraining orders nearly invariably call for a full hearing involving both parties.

An individual may file an emergency motion for protection in family court if there is no immediate threat of domestic violence and a divorce case is pending there. When there has never been domestic abuse in the past but a person fears their spouse will retaliate during the divorce, an emergency protection order may also be beneficial. Before making such an order, a family court judge will probably request evidence in the form of a sworn statement or a full evidentiary hearing. Judges are free to decide how precisely an emergency or restraining order will shield a victim of domestic abuse.

Restrictions such as abstaining from physical or non-physical contact, maintaining a specific distance from the victim of domestic abuse and their place of employment, school, or residence, or stopping the commission or threat of domestic violence are all possible under the terms of the order. The alleged abuser may be forced to leave if the parties cohabitate. In certain cases, the order might make it illegal for the accused abuser to buy or own a gun. Additionally, the order might shield young children from domestic abuse.

Repercussions For Violation

Domestic abuse orders can have severe repercussions if broken, including:

1. A diminished or abolished claim to spousal support
2. An augmented obligation for spousal or child support
3. shorter parent-child ages
4. Penalties Prison term

Implications of Domestic Violence on Parenting Time and Child Custody

In North Carolina, parental leave and custody decisions can be greatly impacted by domestic abuse. North Carolina courts give the best interests of the child priority when making decisions about parenting schedules and child custody. The court will take domestic violence into account when determining parenting time and custody.

If a parent has experienced domestic abuse, the court might be reluctant to give the abuser joint custody or unsupervised visitation rights.

Alternatively, the abuser may be granted supervised visitation or sole custody by the court.
When a visitation is supervised, a third party who is impartial is present to make sure the victim and the child are safe. Before allowing visitation, the court may occasionally mandate that the abuser finish an intervention program designed for victims of domestic abuse.

The effect that domestic abuse has on a child’s emotional and psychological health will be taken into account by the court. A child’s mental health may suffer long-term consequences from exposure to domestic violence, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to determine the best custody and visitation schedule and to evaluate the effects of the domestic abuse, the court may order a mental health evaluation of the child.

Domestic Violence’s Effects on Property Division and Financial Assistance

Domestic violence can have an impact on property division and child support in a divorce in North Carolina. Every married couple in North Carolina is entitled to a fair portion of the marital property, which is divided by the courts in an equitable manner. In case one spouse has experienced domestic abuse, the victim may be granted a greater portion of the marital assets by the court as recompense for the maltreatment.

Domestic abuse can have an impact on financial support in a North Carolina divorce, in addition to property division. Post-separation support and alimony are the two forms of spousal support that are permitted by North Carolina law. Temporary support that can be granted to the dependent spouse following their separation but prior to their divorce is known as “post-separation support.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence

1. What is Domestic Violence?

Any abusive pattern of behavior in a relationship where one partner uses the other to obtain or hold onto power and control is referred to as domestic violence.

2. What forms are there for domestic violence?

It may show up as financial, sexual, psychological, emotional, or physical abuse. It encompasses actions such as coercion, isolation, and intimidation.

3. Who is susceptible to domestic abuse?

Anybody can become a victim, regardless of their age, gender, race, or financial situation. Domestic abuse can affect both men and women.

4. To what extent does domestic violence occur?

Regrettably, domestic abuse occurs all over the world. Millions of people are impacted, and many cases go unreported.

5. What prevents victims from ending violent relationships?

Because of the abuser’s manipulation, fear, financial dependence, or social pressures, leaving can be difficult. It’s critical to address this question with compassion and comprehension.

6. In the event that someone is the victim of domestic abuse, what should they do?

Ask for assistance. Speak with the police, shelters, or hotlines for domestic abuse in your area. Making a plan for safety is essential.