Court Advocacy

InterAct court navigators and advocates guide people through complicated civil and criminal legal actions in each of Wake County's domestic violence courtrooms or via remote access.

A survivor of abuse navigating the courthouse and attempting to understand the unfamiliar process of completing and submitting a domestic violence protective order may become overwhelmed and stressed to the point of giving up. Survivors may feel anxious or fearful about encountering the abuser, not being believed, or facing retaliation, and the requirement to recount painful experiences in detail can open emotional wounds. Long wait times and bureaucratic hurdles can add to emotional and physical exhaustion.

Enter InterAct's Court Services team, including the Court Services Coordinator, Civil and Criminal Court Advocates, and Legal Support Center Advocate, led by the Associate Director for Court Services and supported by volunteer Court Navigators. This team can support a survivor through the courthouse and help them understand each step of the process, explain legal terminology, and reduce confusion and stress. The team can also connect the survivor with InterAct's case management services for both immediate needs and long-term support. InterAct's court services team is available in the Legal Support Center in the Wake County Courthouse.

Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B): Often referred to as a restraining order, DVPO 50B is specifically for victims of domestic violence to protect them from the abuser. A Civil No-Contact Order (50C) protects survivors of stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct from individuals with whom they do not have a personal relationship (strangers, neighbors, coworkers).