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Victims' Rights

Victims' Rights

As a result of recent additions to the "Crime Victims' Rights Act," victims are receiving increases in compensation and the right to be notified and heard.  The Cary Police Department has designed a brochure for victims that includes a list of agencies, phone numbers and services.  These services range from counseling to financial assistance.  Police officers are responsible for ensuring that victims receive this information.

The Cary Police Department has detectives assigned to domestic violence cases as well as a Victim Assistance Coordinator. The detectives have created a letter, which lists major resources to offer help to victims and outlines action for victims to take to ensure their safety. The Domestic Violence Detectives are responsible for mailing out the letter to victims.

As required by the "Crime Victims' Rights Act", the Victim Assistance Coordinator sends information regarding victims in domestic violence cases to the Wake County District Attorney's Office.  Triangle Family Services and Interact are other agencies that receive information about victims so they may offer further assistance. Emergencies - Call 911

Resources

Below are resources to call for help, information or advice. The area code is 919 unless otherwise listed:

  • For general information and non-emergencies, call 469-4012. You may also contact the Domestic Violence detectives directly: Michelle Savage, 469-4348 (Mon-Fri, 1- 10 p.m.); or Brisco Gasperson, 462-3816 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
  • Interact - 828-7740. (Services for the support and safety of victims of domestic violence. This service also provides a 24-hour crisis line and an emergency shelter for battered women and their children).
  • Triangle Family Services - 821-0790. (Offering individual, group, marriage, family, child and adolescent family counseling and DOSE, or Domestic Offenders Sentenced to Education. This is a 26-week program offered by Triangle Family Services. The program is designed to help men learn alternatives to deal with emotions without the use of violence.)
  • Magistrate’s Office - 755-4122. (Criminal charges, information).
  • Wake County Jail - 856-6750.
  • Wake County Sheriff’s Communication Center - 856-6911. (Call to see if a protection order has been served.)
  • Wake County Sheriff’s Victims Services Unit - 856-5623 or 856-6816.
  • SAVAN - 1-877-627-2826. (Victims can call this number to find if a suspect is still in jail or can request to be notified when the suspect is released).
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-SAFE. (Hotline advocates available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals).

These are only a few examples of the resources available to you. To find out more, please contact the Cary Police Department or Interact of Wake County.

Steps to getting a Domestic Violence Protection Order

STEP 1

Pick up paperwork from Interact (612 Wade Ave., in Raleigh) or the civil clerk's office on the 11th floor of the Wake County Courthouse. Interact can help complete the forms. The first protective order is called an Ex Parte order. This 10-day temporary order is designed to keep an abuser away from a victim. A judge must sign this form. A judge can be seen between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in courtroom 9A. The phone number to courtroom 9A is (919) 835-3077.

STEP 2Turn in completed paperwork to civil clerk's office (11th floor). The forms will be filed. The civil clerk's phone number is 835-3148.STEP 3Go to the Wake Co. Sheriff's Office. That department is located directly across the street from the courthouse in the Public Safety Center. Then go to the Civil Service/ Processing office. A copy of your paperwork will be given to the attendant. While there, a law enforcement officer will talk with you. The officer will ask you questions that will help him or her serve the protective order on the defendant.

  • The Ex Parte order is good for 10 days. After the 10 days are up, the victim must come back to court. The victim can request the order to be extended for one year.
  • While obtaining the protective order, childcare is available. The services are offered through "Courtroom Kids' Center". The service is free; it is best to call ahead to reserve a space for your child. 865-5347.

A Safety Plan

A "safety plan" is a plan that you design to avoid being hurt. Below are some things to consider gathering or arranging ahead of time:

  • Fifty dollars ($50) in cash or more available (hidden).A small bag with extra clothes for you (children if applies).Extra keys for house and car.Any important papers (social security card, checkbook, insurance cards etc.).Important phone numbers.Any special medications for you (children if applies).
  • A place you can go (keep it secret).