In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year the first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemorative Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress.
North Carolina law defines domestic abuse as attempting to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury. Domestic violence can also involve placing the person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or harassment that causes substantial emotional distress. Additionally, these acts must be perpetrated by someone who meets a certain relationship standard such as:
- A current or former spouse
- Persons of the opposite sex who live or have lived together
- People related as parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren
- People who have a child in common who are not married or are divorced
- Persons who are current or former household members
- Persons of the opposite sex who are in or have been in a dating relationship
Stop the violence.