Last Updated on March 26, 2020 5:19 pm
BOONE – Although most court proceedings have been delayed for thirty days in North Carolina, victims of domestic violence are still able to file for and obtain restraining orders from the courts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have developed a process in Watauga County, so victims are able to draft their complaint remotely, file it remotely, and even when possible attend the hearings remotely,” said Michelle Grit, interim executive director of Oasis, Inc. “We want to ensure survivors still have access to services even during times of restricted movement and public health concerns.”
Oasis and Legal Aid of North Carolina’s High Country office are working jointly with the Watauga County Courts to provide comprehensive services to obtaining restraining orders. The best way to get their help for these services is to contact Oasis at 828-262-5035 or Legal Aid of North Carolina’s High Country office at 828-355-4891.
“Everyone is being told to stay at home,” said Jonathan Perry, managing attorney of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s High Country office. “Unfortunately, home is the most dangerous place for a lot of people.”
Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. The High Country office, located in Boone, serves Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey counties.
“We don’t charge a dime. We have outstanding attorneys that are ready to assist victims at no charge to them,” said Perry.
Oasis, Inc. is dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in Watauga and Avery Counties by providing comprehensive support services for survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence and community advocacy and education.
