Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention

We may be able to provide legal assistance if you experience abuse from: 

• A current or former spouse or intimate partner
• Someone you’re dating now or dated in the past
• A parent, child, or other close family member
• A current or former household member (such as a roommate)

Domestic violence includes behaviors like:

• Physical violence or threats of violence (either verbal or threatening behavior)
• Verbal and/or emotional abuse, controlling/manipulating behavior, isolating you from friends and family, etc. 
• Financial abuse or control
• Sexual assault or abuse, coercion
• Stalking, harrassment

We collaborate with domestic violence prevention agencies, shelters, law enforcement and other partners. This includes these Family Justice Centers and Resource Centers to provide coordinated services under one roof for survivors: 

• Buncombe County Family Justice Center
• Henderson County Family Justice Center
• Transylvania Family Resource Center

Protective orders can provide direct protection by ordering an abuser to have no contact with a survivor, barring them from coming to the survivor’s home, workplace, etc. 

Survivors can file for divorce after at least one year of separation (living in a separate residence with the intent to end the marriage). A divorce dissolves the marriage and can allow a survivor to resume the use of their prior last name if relevant. Financial issues can be addressed in the divorce case, including division of marital property and alimony/spousal support.

Criminal cases against abusers are initiated either by law enforcement or by a magistrate upon request of the survivor and are prosecuted by the District Attorney. Pisgah Legal does not handle criminal cases but can help find resources.