If you have been the victim of domestic violence in Raleigh, you do not have to remain in an abusive and dangerous relationship. The Raleigh family law attorneys of Marshall & Taylor PLLC have helped countless individuals separate themselves and their children from an abusive family member, and we have also assisted them with obtaining restraining orders they need to feel safe and protected from their abuser.
In any type of relationship, but especially with couples, some disagreements and arguments can escalate to dangerous levels at times. At Marshall & Taylor PLLC we understand that any type of domestic violence can pose a threat to the well-being of the victim or victims. Our Raleigh firm takes these cases seriously, and we understand that you may need a restraining order to protect everyone involved.
Due to the nature of domestic violence, trying to avoid it can be extremely difficult. Fortunately, you do not have to handle this issue alone. Our compassionate and knowledgeable legal team can provide the guidance that you seek and assist you in obtaining a restraining order and other legal protections that you need to ensure that your life is free from domestic violence.
When domestic violence harms and injures someone, that person should seek medical care and legal advice as soon as possible. If the victim has children, you must confirm that the children stay protected and safe if they remain in the alleged abuser’s home.
Our Raleigh domestic violence and restraining order attorneys know how to deal with these types of cases with the utmost of care and compassion. We understand how stressful relationships can get and we want to prevent any conflicts from escalating further. For you and your family’s emotional and physical well-being, please contact Marshall & Taylor PLLC, as effective legal representation is necessary to ensure that your rights and needs are protected, as well as those of any children.
Our team has experience with domestic violence and restraining order cases, and we can help you. We use our legal knowledge and past results to resolve your case and protect you and your family. To get help, complete our online form, chat live, or call a Raleigh domestic violence and restraining order attorney at (919) 833-1040. A qualified staff member will explain your legal rights and options, help protect your safety, and work to resolve your concerns.
Do I Need An Attorney?
If marital conflict has escalated to domestic violence, you need an attorney who can help protect you and others in your home. You may need answers right away, and a trusted attorney can guide you through this stressful time. You do not have to face this alone. A qualified attorney can handle legal issues involving the abuser. At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, we have handled similar cases. We can manage your paperwork, calls, and negotiations to support your safety. Your well-being matters to us.
Why Choose Marshall & Taylor PLLC?
At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, our Raleigh domestic violence and restraining order attorneys know these cases can take time to resolve. Our team uses diplomacy and mediation when they help. If those options fail, we will defend you and your loved ones to the full extent of the law. You may need a restraining order right away, and we understand your safety may be at risk. Choosing the right attorney matters and can affect the outcome of your case.
Jeffrey Marshall and Travis Taylor serve clients in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the surrounding Wake County area. Mr. Marshall is board certified in family law, and the firm’s experience and track record speak for itself. Marshall & Taylor PLLC has the experience needed to take on tough domestic violence cases. We value clear, open, and honest communication with the people that we serve.
If you have experienced domestic violence, seek medical care and contact an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled legal professional can guide you through these legal matters.
Domestic Violence
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and WomensAdvocates.org, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in a relationship. An abuser uses it to gain or keep power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, economic class, immigration status, religion, or gender. It can happen to couples that are married, living together, or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.” Domestic violence occurs in opposite-sex and same-sex relationships. It can also occur between intimate partners who are married, live together, or date.
Domestic abuse comes in several different forms, not just physical abuse. Abuse within an intimate relationship can include:
- Verbal abuse– While it doesn’t necessarily manifest visually, verbal abuse can be just as damaging to a person as physical abuse. Verbal abuse is more difficult to define, but it often takes on forms in name-calling, constant beratement, or belittlement. People who have been verbally abused may have been manipulated into believing the abuse was their fault. This is not true, but it can be difficult to recover quickly from verbal abuse all the same, due to the lasting effects it has on someone’s confidence and mental health.
- Physical abuse – People often think of physical abuse when they hear the term “domestic abuse” because it can injure the person who suffers the abuse. Physical abuse is when someone uses force to intimidate, shame, or cause pain to another person.
- Emotional abuse – Like other forms of abuse, emotional abuse occurs when someone creates or takes control of a power imbalance, causing psychological damage to another person. Emotional abuse may be manipulative and deceitful, and may accompany things like sexual assault, physical or verbal abuse, or threats. Emotional abuse can be a part of spousal abuse, child abuse, or even abuse of the elderly, People who are emotionally abusive thrive off power, and will do what they can to maintain their power over other people.
The Department of Justice reports that domestic violence affects the victim and also impacts family members, friends, co-workers, and others. Violence in the home can also seriously affect children, especially when they grow up witnessing abuse. Furthermore, any frequent exposure not only predisposes children to other social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life. This can increase their risk of becoming society’s next generation of victims and abusers.
Restraining Orders
A state court issues a restraining order or protective order, and it requires one person to stop harming another. In North Carolina, there are domestic violence protective orders and two types of civil no-contact orders. A domestic violence protective order is a civil order that provides protection from someone with whom you have (or previously had) a personal relationship. In North Carolina, the order is referred to as the domestic violence protective order.
Civil law and criminal law use different court systems, and one act of domestic violence can lead to both cases. Even if the victim does not want to press charges, the prosecutor may still move forward. If a relationship escalates to domestic violence or worse, civil and criminal courts can handle the case.
Filing for a restraining order in Raleigh is a serious matter. Restraining orders are usually needed in cases in which your safety is threatened. Some of the reasons to file for a restraining order include:
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Domestic abuse
- Threats
A skilled Raleigh attorney can help you pursue a restraining order in a domestic violence case. No one should endure violence in marriage or family, and Marshall & Taylor PLLC will help keep you and your children safe. Without proper legal representation, you can make mistakes that may complicate your case. Complete our online form, chat live, or call (919) 833-1040 so we can address your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you plan to hire an attorney for a domestic violence case, you may have questions and concerns that need answers right away. For your convenience, we list common questions and answers below. Contact us if this page does not address your concerns.
What is a restraining order?
A restraining order is a court-mandated protection for those who are being harassed, stalked, or continually bothered by someone. The terms of a restraining order can vary but generally stipulate that the person whom the restraining order was filed against may not call, email, or communicate within any other way the person who filed the restraining order. In addition, the abuser must stay a certain distance away from the person should they have to be in the same place. To file a restraining order, you may wish to seek the guidance of a lawyer who can help you through the process.
How long does a restraining order last?
A restraining order’s length depends on the determination of the court. If you think that you are in danger, the court may issue a temporary restraining order in as little as 24 hours without having to notify the defendant. There is usually a hearing at a later date to extend the restraining order if necessary, usually within 15 days of the incident. Restraining orders usually last for at least one year, and they require an official court order to be extended beyond the one-year time period.
Is domestic violence considered to be a civil or criminal offense?
In North Carolina, domestic violence victims of are protected by both civil and criminal laws. Domestic violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Additionally, certain types of harassment or emotional abuse can happen through all types of communication – including written, telephone, fax, e-mail, or voicemail. It is best to seek legal representation and discuss the specific details of your personal case with an attorney.
North Carolina Statistics
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) describes domestic violence as the “willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another”. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse, with the frequency and severity of domestic violence varying significantly. Other North Carolina statistics from NCADV are listed below:
- In 2013, domestic violence led to 108 homicides in North Carolina.
- In 2013, around two people died per week from domestic violence.
- In North Carolina in 2013, more than 75 percent of the perpetrators of domestic violence-related homicides were male. This is consistent with national data that show males are often the perpetrators of serious cases of domestic violence.
- In 2014, services reached 1,678 victims in North Carolina in a single day.
- In 2014, local domestic violence programs housed 860 victims in emergency shelters or transitional housing.
- In a 24-hour survey in North Carolina in 2014, local and state hotlines answered 637 calls. They averaged over 26 calls per hour.
Did You Know?
- One in three women and one in four men have experienced violence of some form at the hands of a domestic partner
- Domestic violence hotlines get 15 calls every minute on average, for a total of 21,000 calls per day.
- Domestic violence causes 15% of violent crime.
- The risk of homicide increases by 500% if the family has a gun in the home.
At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, we understand the complexities and complications of domestic violence and restraining orders. We are on your side and we sincerely want to assist you in resolving your domestic violence concerns. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are our utmost concern.
Contact Us Today
Marshall & Taylor PLLC takes price in putting our clients first, and we have the resources and experience to provide you with fair and honest representation, while looking out for the safety of you and your loved ones. If you are a victim of domestic violence and want a restraining order, we understand how domestic violence affects your health. Our team is ready to help you with restraining orders and all related domestic violence matters. Don’t delay – complete our online form, chat live, or contact us at (919) 833-1040 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to consult with you regarding your specific case.