Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs between family members or intimate partners. It is not only the number one public health issue facing women and children in our communities, but also a frightening social problem of epic proportions and an important human rights issue. It takes many forms and can happen once in a while or all the time. It does not discriminate and may take the form of threats, physical attacks, rapes, or sexual assaults directed at the victim, the victim's children, family members, or property. It crosses ethnic, racial, age, national origin, religious, and socioeconomic lines.

It should never happen to anyone. Not ever. Not even once. Period. But it does.

North Carolina General Statutes define Domestic Violence as:

• attempting to cause bodily injury, or
• intentionally causing bodily injury, or
• placing the party seeking the order (the victim) or a member of the victim's family or
• household in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, or
• committing, or attempting to commit, rape, a sexual offense or a
  sexual offense with a minor child living in the household.