CVIC may assist you in applying for emergency protective orders. We can help you address key points necessary to help strengthen your application and support you through the emotional process.

• Domestic Violence Protection Order: If you have recently been a victim of domestic violence you may request a protection order, which is typically sought when someone has been physically harmed by their partner, including sexual assault. For this type of order, actual or imminent domestic violence is required. These orders do not have a specific time limit they can be granted for, however, typically orders are granted for 1-2 years. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/domestic-violence-protection-order.

• Sexual Assault Restraining Order: If you have been sexually assaulted by an acquaintance or a stranger, this protective order may be appropriate. This type of order cannot be granted for more than 2 years and is intended for sexual assault cases where there is not a significant relationship with the offender. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/sexual-assault-restraining-order.

• Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order: If you have experienced stalking, harassment, or other types of disorderly conduct, this protective order may be appropriate. In North Dakota, disorderly conduct is defined as intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect the safety, security, or privacy of another person. This can include threats, screaming, yelling, etc. This type of order cannot be granted for more than 2 years. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/disorderly-conduct-restraining-order.

Please note: We will respond to your request within 2 business days. If you need immediate assistance with a protective order, please contact our office or call our 24-hour crisis line at 701-746-8900.

Our staff attorney may be able to represent you at civil court hearings to request an extended order.

The following are a few of the types of situations our legal team may be able to assist with, and some basic legal information about these situations:

• Divorce
  • If you would like to start a divorce, talk about your options, or have been served with divorce paperwork, CVIC may be able to assist.
• Residential Responsibility (formerly known as custody)
  • If you have children and would like to know more about getting a formal court order for residential responsibility, or if your partner/former partner has started a court case against you, you may speak with a CVIC advocate to see if you qualify for CVIC legal assistance.
• Housing Related Issues
  • If you are being discriminated in your housing unit or are wanting to terminate your lease due to domestic violence or sexual assault, there may be remedies available. Please speak with a CVIC advocate to discuss your safety and legal options.  
  • Federal and State Housing Programs: You may not be denied admission to, or terminated from, a federal or state housing program based on being a victim of sexual assault (or domestic or dating violence or stalking).
  • Any North Dakota Housing: If you were sexually assaulted (or abused) by an intimate partner, you may be able to terminate your lease without penalty or liability. Documentation is required.
  • Other options: Even if there is no legal recourse, there may be other options to help you. In some cases, landlords have allowed victims of violence to move to another unit they own to enhance their safety.
• Employment Related Issues
  • If you are being discriminated at work due to a sexual assault, there may be remedies available. Please speak with a CVIC advocate to discuss your safety and legal options.
  • An example of such discrimination is a case in which a victim was fired for bringing “drama” to work when she asked for time off after she was assaulted by a coworker.
  • For this type of issue, you may also file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor. Go to https://www.nd.gov/labor/human-rights/employment-discrimination and click on the File a Complaint  link, then follow the directions.  

If you are a university student or otherwise affiliated with a college campus and are assaulted there are additional steps to navigate. Our attorney and trained advocates can be by your side to ensure you are informed and your rights are being addressed every step of the way.

• Legal Services of North Dakota
  1-800-634-5263
• State Bar Association of ND Lawyer Referral
  1-866-450-8586
• Grand Forks County State’s Attorney
  701-780-8281
• University of North Dakota
  Office of Student Rights/Responsibilities: 701-777-2664
  Title IX Coordinator: 701-777-4171
  Student Health Services: 701-777-4500
  UND Counseling Center: 701-777-2127
• CVIC@UND
  CVIC Confidential Campus Advisor: 701-777-6550
• Grand Forks Air Force Base
  Sexual Assault Prevention & Response: 701-747-7272

• Everyone has the right to feel safe at home. If you are experiencing any form of abuse, domestic violence, or control, you should know your rights. Domestic violence can be physical abuse like slapping, hitting, or choking, but it can also be emotional abuse like making you feel afraid, taking your money or keeping you away from friends or family, and is used to try and control you. Learn more here.