Beginning December 1, 2025, important changes to North Carolina's civil and criminal laws will go into effect. These changes close long-standing gaps and expand support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Many of these updates represent meaningful progress for survivors seeking safety, healing, and justice. 

"Some of these amendments are more than legal updates; they are lifelines," says Suzi Canali, Chief Legal Officer at Safe Alliance. "For many survivors, the justice system can feel like one more barrier. These changes bring the law closer to the reality of what survivors face every day." 

Expanded Access to Protective Orders: A Critical Change to G.S. 50B-2(a) 

One of the most significant updates is the amendment to G.S. 50B-2(a), which governs who is eligible to file for a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) 

Effective December 1, 2025, a plaintiff may now file for a DVPO if: 

• They reside in North Carolina, OR 

• They experienced a qualifying act of domestic violence that occurred within North Carolina. 

This key change resolves a loophole that previously left non-residents without protection, even when the violence happened here. This statewide change will be especially impactful for survivors in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg metro region. 

Why This Matters: A Real-World Example 

Under the previous version of the law, if a survivor lived in South Carolina but was assaulted while visiting a partner in Charlotte, they could not file charges or pursue a DVPO in North Carolina simply because they lived across the state line. This forced survivors to navigate confusing legal jurisdictions, delayed safety planning, and often left them without meaningful protection. 

The new amendment closes this gap. Survivors who experience violence in North Carolina, whether they live here or not, can now seek the protection they need immediately, without being turned away. 

"This is a win for victims and for justice," Canali explains. "Abuse doesn't stop at state borders. Our protections shouldn't either." 

Improved Victim Compensation Benefits: More Time, More Support 

 Another major victory for survivors is the expansion of eligibility within the North Carolina Victim Compensation Program. 

Previously, victims had just 72 hours to report a crime in order to remain eligible for financial assistance.  This narrow window overlooked the reality that many survivors need more time. Survivors who have experienced physical harm have had to prioritize critical medical needs and often miss the window to report to law enforcement. Other factors can include those experiencing trauma, threats from the abuser, or fear of involving law enforcement.  

With the new law, survivors now have up to six months to report a crime. 

This expanded timeframe acknowledges the emotional, psychological, and logistical barriers many victims face. 

What Victim Compensation Can Cover 

The Victim Compensation Program can support survivors in a wide range of ways, including: 

• Medical expenses 
• Counseling and therapy 
• Loss of household support due to domestic violence 
• Dental or orthodontic treatment 
• Lost wages 
• Burial or funeral expenses 
• Crime scene clean-up 

"This change is about dignity," says Canali. "Survivors deserve time to process what has happened to them. They deserve access to healing resources without arbitrary deadlines standing in the way." 

Together, these legal changes represent a significant shift toward a system that recognizes the complexity of trauma and prioritizes survivor safety. 

At Safe Alliance, we believe these updates move North Carolina closer to a future where every survivor, no matter where they live, how much time has passed, or what barriers they face, can access support and justice. 

"These amendments send a powerful message," Canali shares. "We see survivors. We believe them. And we are committed to ensuring they have every possible path to safety." 

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, Safe Alliance is here to help. Call the 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line at 980.771.4673 to be connected with a trained advocate.  Our Victim Assistance Court Program includes advocacy, legal support, and crisis intervention. For more information around counseling, visit our Sexual Trauma Resource Center page. No one has to walk this journey alone.