Domestic Violence Prevention Mission Statement  l  D.V. Defined  l Domestic Violence Safety Plan

SAFETY PLAN

Decide now where you will go and how you will get there the next time he/she becomes violent.  Do this even if you feel there will not be a next time.

Leave some money, an extra set of car and house keys, clothing, prescribed medications, sentimental valuables, and photos with a neighbor or someone whom you trust.

Keep important documents (i.e. birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, insurance policies, bank/savings account numbers, checkbooks, marriage licenses, etc.)  and a list of important phone numbers at a trusted friend or neighbors home.

Develop a code word with your children, neighbor and friends that let's them know that you need to get out of the home.

If you leave, always try to take the children.

If beaten or abused, get medical attention and have pictures taken for evidence of physical abuse.  Keep ripped clothing and file a police report.  

Seek assistance and acquire job skills, such as, learning to type or take courses at a community college.

Contact your local battered women’s shelter and find out about laws and other resources available to you.  Be prepared just incase you find yourself in a Domestic Violence crisis.

IF YOU ARE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM, YOU HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER THE LAW.

 You may file a warrant for any crimes committed against you at the Magistrates Office located at the Pitt County Detention Center on 124 New Hope Road, Greenville NC.

You may file a petition for a protective order with the Civil Clerk of Court at the Pitt County Court House.  The order can grant you the following:

·        Restrain the abuser from you or any other family members, and from possessing a firearm. 

·        Prevent the abuser from entering your residence, school, business or place of employment.

·        Grant you possession of the residence or household, and direct the abuser to leave.

·        Award custody of or visitation rights to your minor children.

·        Direct the party not granted custody to pay support of the minor children, if there is legal obligation to do so.

If the abuser violates the order by trespassing, harassing or assaulting you, the abuser will be arrested by a deputy or police.  If an arrest is not made, you can file a warrant at the Magistrate’s Office or file an Order to Show Cause with the Civil Clerk of Court.  The Order is usually valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year.  You may have the right to be compensated for medical expenses caused by victimization.

Did you know???

 STATISTICS show,

Family Violence kills as many women every five years as the number of Americans that died in the Vietnam War.

Partner Violence is the single largest cause of injury to women, more than murder, mugging and rape combined.

Between two million and four million American women are physically abused by their husband or boyfriends each year.  Four thousand women die each year.

VICTIM ADVOCACY

The victim Advocate serves the needs of the victim.  Victim’s advocates act as a liaison to ensure that every avenue of assistance is extended to the victim, from the time of the offense until the date of the trial.