The Greenville Police Department has two victim advocates on staff that assist with Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs), Civil No Contact Orders (CNCOs), accompanying victims to civil and criminal court, providing emotional support, helping victims navigate the criminal justice system, being a liaison between investigators and the victims as well as being a liaison between the DAs office and victims, helping family members of victims of homicide and other violent crimes, helping with victim compensation, and attending first appearances for violent criminals so victims have a voice at bond hearings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

Can I have my significant other evicted?

• Law Enforcement officers cannot evict your significant other. If a person is a resident of the home, on the lease or not, you will have to go through the Clerk of Court to file eviction paperwork. This is not done suddenly. However, if you are in a Domestic Violence situation and you live with the abuser, we can assist you with DVPOs (Domestic Violence Protective Orders) which include a section where you can ask the judge to evict the abuser from the home.

What do I have to do to get a Protective Order?

 There are Two Types of Protective Orders that we can assist with. One is a DVPO (50b) for Domestic Violence situations. To get a DVPO the victim needs to show the abuser committed an act of domestic violence. This could include:

• Causing or attempting to cause physical injury.          
• Placing in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
• Continued harassment, by committing at least two wrongful acts against the plaintiff with no legitimate purpose, and which causes substantial emotional distress.
• Sexual assault

The second order is a CNCO (50c) or Civil No Contact Order. To get a CNCO the victim needs to show the party they wish to get an order against has committed one or more of these acts (not domestic related):

• Stalking
• Non-Consensual Sexual Conduct
• Tormented, Terrorized, or Terrified the Victim to cause the victim to be in fear of their life or cause substantial emotional distress.

A Victim Advocate at the Police Department will assist you in filling out the necessary forms. We will schedule to meet with a District Court Judge and he or she will review the protective order and decide to grant or deny the order.

How much does it cost to get a Protective Order?

• Nothing. Protective Orders, if done with an Advocate at Greenville Police Department, Pitt Co. Sheriffs Office, or The Center for Family Violence Prevention is a free service to victims.

Is there a safe place I can stay where my abuser will not find me?

• Yes, without going into detail to protect other victims, we can help you get to a safe place.

Will the Victim Advocate go to court with me?

• Yes, Advocates from Greenville PD will go with you to your Ex Parte hearing. We will also go with you to your Notice of Hearing one week later. We can also accompany you to criminal cases associated with Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking.

What will DV court be like?

• On the day of your hearing there will likely be many people in the courtroom. They are all in there for the same type of cases. The Judge may ask you questions such as, “Would you like to have a Domestic Violence Protective Order for one year?” “Why would you like to have a Protective Order?” You will need to be prepared to speak to the judge or even take the stand and testify at your hearing. Your Advocate will help you prepare for this. Your Advocate cannot speak for you the day of the hearing but will be present in the courtroom for emotional support.

Will I have to see my abuser?

• Yes, you will likely see your abuser in court. You do NOT have to look at them, speak to them, or be near them but they will be present in court. We suggest finding a focal point in the court room and focus on that area or person so that you do not make eye contact with your abuser. During a hearing, the abuser may have the ability to ask your questions. It will be in the presence of the Judge. It will be limited to questions only related to the Protection Order. The Judge will not allow arguments or disrespect to either party.

Are there any compensation resources for medical bills due to being a victim of crime?

• Yes, victims of certain crimes are entitled to victim compensation to help with paying medical expenses, lost wages, and to assist families of homicide victims to help pay for funeral expenses.

How common is Domestic Violence?

• Domestic Violence is very common. An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.

Do I have to go to court?

• Yes, in order for you to obtain a DVPO or CNCO you will need to go to court. We also encourage you to attend every court hearing for any criminal charges that may arise from your case.