Housing several floors of offices and court rooms, Mecklenburg County Courthouse can be a daunting place. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence find comfort and guidance in Rhyan Given, a court navigator with Safe Alliance's Victim Assistance Court Program (VACP). Rhyan supports survivors by helping them understand court procedures, complete legal paperwork, access community resources, and navigate the court system while providing compassionate and trauma-informed assistance. 

Before working at Safe Alliance, Rhyan studied Peace, War, and Defense and Hispanic Linguistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her interest in advocacy and law led her to the VACP, where she describes, "My role is to be in the courthouse, as a resource for any survivor or member of court staff." 

A Day in the Life  

Every day looks different for Rhyan. She engages with varying people, cases, and needs every single day. However, "Aspects of domestic violence can be found in any court room, in any hearing," Rhyan emphasizes. It is the domestic violence in these cases to which Rhyan responds directly. 

Rhyan's day starts around 8 a.m., when she begins preparing documents for court sessions. She makes her way to the courthouse for the 9 a.m. morning session, sitting in on 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) trials. A 50B DVPO is a civil court order that protects victims of domestic violence. A DVPO can require the abuser to stop abusive behavior, avoid contact, surrender firearms, leave a shared home, or comply with temporary child custody arrangements. Law enforcement executes the order because violating the order is a criminal offense and can result in criminal charges.  

Rhyan meets Safe Alliance clients and other survivors before their DVPO hearings. "Being that resource for people, having answers to their questions, and, ultimately, making their lives safer than when they walked into the courthouse," Rhyan shares, is her goal going into work each day. 

Around 12 p.m., Rhyan finds time to have a quick lunch, meeting with VACP attorneys and legal interns before the afternoon session. She also collects domestic violence civil court data for Mecklenburg County. "I compare the data and what I'm seeing in person and translate it for judges and community partners," Rhyan describes. "It is often taking something small and highlighting it to ask, 'what can we do as a community to make this better?'" 

At 1 p.m., it is back to the courthouse for the afternoon session. This time, Rhyan observes a family court trial. When families are impacted by domestic violence, survivors may make specific custody or visitation requests regarding their dependent children within their DVPO. "I often get pulled in to act as support for the court or community because Safe Alliance is trusted to help," Rhyan explains. In these cases, Safe Alliance becomes a connection point between the survivor, the court, and other organizations like the Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Center (SVSE). 

Services 

According to Rhyan, one of the biggest challenges she sees is survivors unaware of the options, tools, or services that are available to them.  

For example, online services. Victims of domestic violence can file their DVPO online, using North Carolina Judicial Branch's eFiling options. This makes protective order relief more accessible. Survivors can also file for an emergency ex parte DVPO that provides immediate protection due to threats, harassment, or other dangers. 

There are also language services. Mecklenburg County courts provide qualified interpreters for parties, witnesses, and victims who have limited English proficiency, helping ensure meaningful participation in domestic violence proceedings. Even before getting to court, the VACP has skilled employees, like Rhyan, who can assist survivors in their preferred language.

Powerful Partnerships 

Rhyan's favorite aspect of her job is building relationships with partners in court. Talking to judges, deputies, and clerks, "I love getting their perspective on what they see," she shares. By forming these strong bonds, Rhyan has inspired court employees to get involved in projects like building the Purple Guide, a pamphlet with crucial information for filing DVPOs, contacting the Greater Charlotte Hope Line, and getting answers to frequent questions.  

Advocacy in Action 

For survivors of domestic violence, maneuvering through the court system can feel overwhelming and intimidating. As a court navigator with Safe Alliance's Victim Assistance Court Program, Rhyan Given helps make the process more manageable. She provides guidance and compassionate support at every stage. Whether assisting with DVPO paperwork, connecting survivors to community programs, or collaborating with court partners to improve resources, Rhyan plays a vital role in helping survivors find safety and confidence within the legal system. Her work demonstrates the power of partnership, accessibility, and trauma-informed care. By ensuring survivors understand their options and have the support they need to exercise their rights, Rhyan and the VACP help transform the courthouse into a place where individuals can access protection, justice, and hope for a safer future.