[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/how-domestic-violence-affects-families-in-north-carolina#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/how-domestic-violence-affects-families-in-north-carolina","headline":"How Domestic Violence Affects Families in North Carolina","name":"How Domestic Violence Affects Families in North Carolina","description":"In addition to the immediate physical and emotional harm inflicted on the victim, domestic violence causes trauma and psychological damage to all involved. Abuse in the home can have a long-lasting impact on the whole family. Charles R. Ullman & Associates\u00a0is a leading family law firm in Raleigh dedicated to...","datePublished":"2024-12-03","dateModified":"2025-07-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/author\/cullman#Person","name":"Charles R. Ullman","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/author\/cullman","identifier":57,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/95523b76e3fabd629464090bfe2a95c0788960cc1dccd6db5bf756e20d0d4c67?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/95523b76e3fabd629464090bfe2a95c0788960cc1dccd6db5bf756e20d0d4c67?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Charles R. Ullman & Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/logo.png","width":310,"height":78}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/How-Domestic-Violence-Affects-Families-in-North-Carolina.png","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/How-Domestic-Violence-Affects-Families-in-North-Carolina.png","height":600,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/how-domestic-violence-affects-families-in-north-carolina","about":["Domestic Violence"],"wordCount":1070,"articleBody":"In addition to the immediate physical and emotional harm inflicted on the victim, domestic violence causes trauma and psychological damage to all involved. Abuse in the home can have a long-lasting impact on the whole family.Charles R. Ullman & Associates\u00a0is a leading family law firm in Raleigh dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. Our firm has counseled women and men through difficult family matters for more than 25 years. You can rest assured that we have the experience and resources to handle your case, as well as a compassionate staff to support you during these trying times.Our caring and committed attorneys\u00a0can help you leave a violent situation. Contact us today to get the help you need.What Constitutes Domestic Violence in North Carolina Family Law?North Carolina law defines domestic violence as committing one of the following acts against someone the abuser has a personal relationship with:Trying to cause or intentionally causing bodily injuryPutting the victim or the victim\u2019s family member in a state of fear with the threat of injury or continued harassmentCommitting any act defined by law as\u00a0rape or a sexual offenseDomestic violence isn\u2019t only between romantic partners. Family law says it may involve any of the following:Current or former spousesParents or guardians and their childrenGrandparents and their grandchildrenPeople living togetherPeople who are dating or have datedPeople who have a child togetherWhat Are the Different Types of Domestic Abuse?Domestic violence may take the form of:Physical abuse \u2013 Any type of physical violence, such as hitting, shoving, hair pulling, denying medical care, or forcing alcohol or drug use, can all be considered abuse.Emotional abuse \u2013 This may involve making cruel comments, belittling, constantly criticizing, isolating, or name-calling to lower the victim\u2019s self-worth or control them.Sexual abuse \u2013 Committing any sexual acts without the victim\u2019s consent or coercing the victim into sexual contact are forms of abuse.Financial abuse \u2013 An abuser may control or manipulate someone\u2019s finances to give them power over the victim.These types of abuse in the home or a relationship can create fear and allow the abuser to manipulate the victims. Children who witness violence can be significantly affected, even if they aren\u2019t facing the abuse themselves. If you are experiencing any type of abuse, you should try to get help as soon as you can safely \u2013 whether that be by reporting it to law enforcement, telling a trusted friend or family member, or contacting a lawyer who can take legal action to protect you.How Domestic Violence Impacts Child Custody and Visitation RightsDomestic violence in a marriage will have a direct and substantial impact on child custody and visitation requirements that become part of a divorce. If you are facing a custody battle as part of a divorce in North Carolina, all decisions that the family law court will make are intended to serve the child’s best interests.A domestic violence conviction or evidence of violence would weigh heavily against the violent parent in a custody dispute. However, the court will not automatically take away the abuser\u2019s custody rights.The court will decide what custody or visitation arrangement will be best for the child\u2019s welfare. North Carolina child custody laws say that they will consider any acts of domestic violence and the child\u2019s safety when making a decision.In cases involving domestic violence, the court will make orders that protect the child and the victims. These protections may vary from case to case but may include:Supervised contact \u2013 If an abusive parent is allowed visitation with their children, the court will likely require all contact with the children to be supervised. The judge may choose a social worker, another professional, or a specific relative to supervise visits.\u00a0They may also require all visits to occur in a public place.No alcohol or drug use \u2013 Restrictions on parental visitation may also include orders for the affected parent not to consume alcohol or drugs and to submit to alcohol or drug testing.A parent seeking a divorce due to domestic violence will need a\u00a0family law attorney to ensure their rights are upheld. Victims need to be sure the court is aware of the history of violence and its extent so that the parents and children are provided proper protection.Long-Term Impacts of Domestic Violence on FamiliesThe U.S. Justice Department\u2019s Office on Violence Against Women says domestic violence doesn\u2019t only affect those who are abused. It also has a substantial impact on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and even the community.Frequent exposure to violence in the home may lead to social and physical problems in children. It also desensitizes them to violence and normalizes it, increasing the risk of them becoming victims or abusers themselves. Studies say children who are exposed to abuse may have:Elevated stress levels that harm cognitive function and brain developmentBehavioral problems, such as irritability, trouble sleeping, language development issues, and emotional distressA higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, and criminal behaviorA higher chance of experiencing physical or sexual assaultLegal intervention can stop the cycle of abuse and create a path toward healing and stability for families. The Raleigh domestic violence attorneys at\u00a0Charles R. Ullman & Associates\u00a0have experience helping victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner abuse. We can explain your legal rights and the steps available to you, including seeking a protective order\u00a0to keep you and your family safe.We can offer you direct counsel, assistance, and access to a variety of helpful North Carolina domestic violence resources, including how to put\u00a0a safety plan in place. Our understanding attorneys have helped numerous Raleigh and Wake County residents leave violent situations. Let us help you.Contact a Raleigh Domestic Violence and Divorce AttorneyIf you are dealing with domestic violence or threats from a spouse or anyone else you have an intimate relationship with, you need to know that help is available and the law protects you. The compassionate divorce and domestic violence attorneys at Charles R. Ullman & Associates are here to help you. Our lawyers and legal staff serve clients throughout\u00a0Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas in\u00a0Wake County.Please contact us online or call us at (919) 829-1006 to schedule a consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How Domestic Violence Affects Families in North Carolina","item":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/how-domestic-violence-affects-families-in-north-carolina#breadcrumbitem"}]}]