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If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have certain rights and privileges under the law.
The protective order can grant any of the following:
- Restrain your abuser from abusing you or any other family members, and keep the abuser from purchasing and possessing a firearm.
- Prevent your abuser from entering your residence, school, business, or place of employment.
- Grant you possession of the residence or household and direct your abuser to leave. Award custody of or visitation rights to your minor children.
- Direct the party not granted custody to pay support if there is a legal obligation to do so.
- If the abuser violates the order by trespassing, harassing, or assaulting you, the abuser will be arrested by the police. If an arrest is not made,
you can file for a warrant at the Magistrate's Office or file an Order to Show Just Cause with the Clerk's Office for any violation order. The order is usually valid for one year and can be renewed for an
additional year.
- You have the right to file civil suit for losses suffered as a result of abuse, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, damage to property, and
any other related expenses incurred by you or by any agency that shelters you.
Contact the Victim/Witness Coordinator for more information.
Services of the Local Domestic Violence Agency -- REACH Telephone: 586-8969
- Free confidential services
- Individual victim counseling and support
- Shelter for victims and children
- Answers to questions
- Court advocacy
- Support groups
- Advice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Safety Plan
Make a safety plan for what you will do the next time you are assaulted. Decide NOW where you will go and how
you'll get there the next time the person becomes violent.
- Leave some money, extra set of car and house keys, special medications and sentimental valuables with a friend.
- Keep important documents: birth certificates, medical records, insurance policies, bank account numbers, checkbook, etc. hidden at a
friend's house.
- Develop a code word with your children, neighbor and friends that will let them know you need to get out now.
- If you leave, ALWAYS take your children with you.
- If you or your minor children have been beaten or abused, get medical attention and have pictures taken for evidence of physical
abuse. Keep ripped clothing for physical evidence. File a report with police.
- Tell someone you can trust what is happening to you in case you have to leave in a hurry, and so you will have someone to call for
help.
Important Phone Numbers
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REACH
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(828) 586-8969
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Jackson County Dispatch
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911 or (828) 586-1911
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Sylva Police
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(828) 586-2916
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Jackson County Sheriff
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(828) 586-8901
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Magistrate
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(828 631-2195
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District Attorney
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(828) 586-7586
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Social Services
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(828) 586-5546
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