Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence: What you need to know during a pandemic

What you need to know during a Pandemic

While we are all staying home during the mandatory shut down it's important to recognize that not all environments are healthy environments. If you have a current protection order or a scheduled hearing for a protection order it's important to note that those hearings will go forward as scheduled.

If you or your child are experiencing domestic violence and can safely escape your situation, The courts are open to provide assistance. Chief Justice Beasley's order allows for domestic violence protective order proceedings to continue, both for ex parte and returning hearings. The order also allows judges to exercise “any ex parte jurisdiction conferred by law upon that judge,” meaning that motions for emergency custody may still be filed and determined by a judge.

If you have questions regarding your protection order or need to make a change contact your attorney or any approved service provider.

If anyone is threatening you or a family member and you are able in need of assistance call your local police department for immediate assistance.

If you are worried about self-isolating, quarantining, or staying in an environment with a person who is a danger to you or your family, the following organizations may be able to help:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

InterAct of Wake County: 919-828-7740

SAFEchild: 919-743-6140

Wake County Child Protective Services: 919-212-7990 (English); 919-212-7963 (Español)

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 919-956-9124

I understand that these are only a few answers to this serious concern and that every situation is different so an answer for one person might not apply at all to someone else. If you have any more questions regarding your order or if you feel your order is being violated make sure to contact your lawyer. If you do not have any current representation and have additional questions please feel free to reach out to me and I will do my best to find you the answer.

Jay Jerkins
Jerkins Law, PLLC
(919) 719-2785
www.jerkinsfamilylaw.com