Best Domestic Violence in North Carolina — 17 resources

About Domestic Violence for Women

Domestic violence services for women are anchored by the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and a state coalition in every state coordinated through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). VAWA funds shelters, transitional housing, legal services, and immigration relief (U-visa, T-visa, VAWA self-petition). Survivors can obtain civil protective orders, address-confidentiality through state ACP programs, and victim advocates through local prosecutor offices. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and StrongHearts Native Helpline serve specific survivor populations. This directory includes hotlines, shelters, state DV coalitions, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina and the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) serve women statewide.

17 Resources

1. NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence works with women across North Carolina on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone (919) 956-9124 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(919) 956-9124 · 123 W Main St Suite 700, Durham, NC 27701 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Safe Alliance — Charlotte — Free

Safe Alliance — Charlotte is a North Carolina domestic-violence resource helping mothers with safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Call (704) 332-2513 to start intake or ask which services you qualify for. Hours are 24/7 hotline, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(704) 332-2513 · Charlotte, NC (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

3. InterAct — Raleigh — Free

InterAct — Raleigh is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Raleigh area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Dial (919) 828-7740 for an initial conversation about your situation. Service hours run 24/7 hotline; ask about after-hours options if needed. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(919) 828-7740 · Raleigh, NC (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

4. Durham Crisis Response Center — Free

Durham Crisis Response Center works with women across North Carolina on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Phone (919) 403-6562 for case-by-case eligibility, current openings, and next steps. Service hours run 24/7 hotline; ask about after-hours options if needed. Free for qualifying North Carolina mothers and their children.

(919) 403-6562 · Durham, NC (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

5. Family Services of the Piedmont — Greensboro — Free

Family Services of the Piedmont — Greensboro works with women across North Carolina on safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Dial (336) 273-7273 for an initial conversation about your situation. Service hours run 24/7 hotline; ask about after-hours options if needed. Services are offered at no cost to women who meet program criteria.

(336) 273-7273 · Greensboro, NC (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

6. Helpmate — Asheville — Free

Helpmate — Asheville is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Asheville area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Reach the team at (828) 254-0516 to schedule a screening. Hours are 24/7 hotline, and walk-ins may be accepted depending on staffing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(828) 254-0516 · Asheville, NC (confidential) · 24/7 hotline · Visit Website

7. NC Crime Victims Compensation — Free

NC Crime Victims Compensation is the go-to domestic-violence resource in the Raleigh area for safety planning, emergency shelter, protective orders, and trauma counseling. Reach the team at (919) 733-7974 to schedule a screening. Available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; the team can answer questions about documents and timing. Free of charge for women meeting income or program eligibility.

(919) 733-7974 · 4703 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. National Domestic Violence Hotline — Free

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) — 24/7 free confidential help for victims of domestic abuse. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. Loveisrespect — Free

1-866-331-9474 — 24/7 support for young people experiencing dating abuse. Text LOVEIS to 22522 or chat online for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. StrongHearts Native Helpline — Free

1-844-7NATIVE — culturally appropriate domestic and dating violence helpline for Native Americans for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Free

NCADV — coalition of state DV coalitions. Survivor resources, policy advocacy, and safety planning. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Futures Without Violence — Free

National nonprofit working to prevent and end violence against women and children. Resources and training. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. DomesticShelters.org — Free

Searchable database of every domestic violence shelter and program in the US — find help near you for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence — Free

Resources and culturally specific support for AAPI women experiencing violence. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Casa de Esperanza — Free

Mobilizing Latinas and Latin@ communities to end gender-based violence. Bilingual resources and shelter for women experiencing abuse and their children. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) — Free

US Department of Justice office implementing the Violence Against Women Act. Funding and resources. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. RAINN — Sexual Assault Hotline — Free

1-800-656-HOPE — Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. 24/7 free confidential support for sexual assault survivors. Access the resource library, directory, and any helpline information directly at the website — no account is typically required. Useful for women experiencing abuse and their children who need vetted, plain-language information on safety planning, 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, protective order help, and counseling. Available online 24/7 — free for qualifying women.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many domestic violence resources are in North Carolina?
Women's Corner tracks 17 domestic violence resources for women in North Carolina.
Are domestic violence resources in North Carolina free?
17 of the 17 listed domestic violence resources in North Carolina are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in North Carolina have domestic violence resources?
Listings span cities including Durham, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville.
What are some examples of domestic violence resources in North Carolina?
Featured entries include NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Safe Alliance — Charlotte, InterAct — Raleigh, Durham Crisis Response Center, Family Services of the Piedmont — Greensboro.
Do these listings include phone numbers?
7 of 17 North Carolina domestic violence listings include phone numbers.
How do I get a restraining order?
Go to your county's family or civil courthouse and ask the clerk for a 'protective order' or 'order of protection' petition — no attorney or filing fee required. Temporary ex parte orders can be issued the same day. A full hearing follows within 10–21 days. Court advocates and DV agencies help fill out forms; bring any evidence (texts, photos, police reports).
Where can I go right now if I'm not safe?
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (text START to 88788) — they connect you to your nearest shelter, arrange emergency transport, and help with a safety plan. Shelters are confidential, free, and 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911 and ask for a DV advocate at the scene.
Will the shelter take my kids?
Yes. Domestic violence shelters accept women with children — most accommodate boys up to age 17 (a few have age limits around 12–13 for older boys, and will arrange alternate placement nearby). Pets are increasingly welcome through programs like RedRover and Sheltering Animals & Families Together. Bring kids' birth certificates, school records, and any medications if you can.
Is the hotline really free and confidential?
Yes — the National DV Hotline and all state DV hotlines are free, confidential, anonymous, available 24/7, and offered in 200+ languages. Advocates don't report to police, immigration, or CPS unless you request it (mandatory reporting applies only to active child abuse). You can call to plan, vent, or just ask questions before deciding anything.