Local Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

I have come to notice a trend among victims of domestic violence; most people I meet with who are experiencing domestic violence, whether male or female, tend to minimize the seriousness of the situation. Time and time again people describe situations to me that are horrifying, but they express little or no emotion as they discuss it because they have been living it. Often, victims have not told anyone the entire truth of what they have been experiencing before speaking to me about it and when they do finally say it all out loud, they begin to see that there is a pattern and the seriousness of the situation is escalating. Hear this from me: there is no valid reason why someone you love should ever hurt or frighten you. No one should treat you that way, regardless of the context of the situation. There are resources available to help.

• Instructions on how to file for a domestic violence protective order on your own are available online here. You can access all of the forms referenced in the instructions here.
• Safe Alliance can assist you in preparing all of the paperwork needed to file for a domestic violence protective order on your own and will accompany you to court to support you. In some cases, they can pair you up with a volunteer attorney who will represent you on a pro bono basis at the hearing.
• The Clyde & Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter is open 24/7 and offers a secure place for individuals and parents with children to stay.
• Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services Prevention and Intervention Services offers various programs for victims, children, and perpetrators.
• The Salvation Army Center of Hope provides shelter/housing to people who are at imminent risk.

Article by Courtney Smith, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law