{"id":375482,"date":"2018-02-05T13:27:31","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T18:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-spousal-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-08-13T07:24:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T12:24:48","slug":"north-carolina-spousal-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-spousal-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Spousal Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina Spousal Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In North Carolina, spousal abuse falls under the state\u2019s domestic violence laws and covers abuse between current, separated, or former spouses. Courts can issue Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs) when a spouse intentionally causes or attempts to cause bodily injury, places the other in fear of imminent serious injury, engages in continued harassment causing substantial emotional distress, commits sexual offenses, or otherwise terrorizes or torments the spouse. DVPOs can order no contact, require the abuser to move out, surrender firearms, attend treatment, and set temporary child custody, visitation, and support. Violations are crimes (typically a Class A1 misdemeanor, elevated to a Class H felony for repeat or aggravated violations such as possessing a deadly weapon). Emergency ex parte orders can be issued quickly and are enforceable statewide and across the U.S.<\/i><\/blockquote>\r\n

This article will answer questions about spousal abuse in North Carolina. FindLaw’s North Carolina Domestic Laws<\/a> article offers an overview of the laws and protections for all aspects of domestic violence, including spousal abuse.<\/p>\r\n

What’s the difference between spousal abuse and domestic violence?<\/h2>\r\n

Under North Carolina law, spousal abuse is a part of domestic violence and covers people in a personal relationship. This includes:<\/p>\r\n