RALEIGH, N.C. – Legal Aid of North Carolina, a statewide nonprofit law firm for low-income people, is recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by participating in vigils, community outreach programs, advocate training sessions and other events throughout October (see the full list).
Domestic violence is a pernicious problem in North Carolina. According to the state attorney general’s office, around 100 North Carolinians are murdered every year in domestic violence-related incidents, and domestic violence is responsible for half of all homicides involving female victims, according to the North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System
Legal Aid of North Carolina works to fight domestic violence through its statewide Domestic Violence Initiative Program, which provides free, comprehensive emergency representation and other services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Every year, Legal Aid advocates help thousands of victims secure court orders of protection from their abusers and collaborate with local partners to ensure victims have access to a wide array of services.
Most Legal Aid clients are referred by local shelters and other service providers. A comprehensive list of providers is available on the website of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence at www.nccadv.org/service_providers.htm.
Victims can also seek help directly from Legal Aid of North Carolina by applying online at www.legalaidnc.org/apply or calling a toll-free helpline at 1-866-219-LANC (5262).