CLAYTON -- Most people have not participated in the legal system beyond jury duty, or perhaps to pay a traffic fine. Even those brief encounters can be intimidating.
Imagine, though, that your spouse, or someone with whom you live has been threatening, or even abusing you. Suppose your only option to protect yourself and your children is to ask a judge to grant a restraining order against your significant other.
You have to stand up before the court and the judge, look into the face of your abuser and tell the judge the nitty gritty details of what has happened to you and why you need protection from the person standing just a few feet away.
That happens every day at the Johnston County courthouse. Last year a total of 1,894 Johnston County residents were granted restraining orders. 1,019 Clayton citizens requested help from Harbor, Inc., non-profit organization charged with helping victims of abuse navigate the court system. In 2011 they had one full time employee dedicated to court advocacy and four part-time volunteers to help women in crisis.
“Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault need support during their court hearings,” said Keri Christiansen, Executive Director of Harbor of Johnston County.
“We need reliable people who will lend moral support and encouragement to the women we serve.”
Volunteers receive about 20 hours of training and work under the direction of Harbor’s victim advocate.
“Sometimes people just need directions as to where they need to go next,” Christiansen said.
At other times the volunteer court advocates will review temporary restraining order paperwork, accompany victims to domestic court, and provide information on Harbor’s services.
Volunteers are especially needed on Mondays and Fridays, but, “hours and days can be flexible,” Christensen said. Weekly volunteering is ideal, but the commitment can be less frequent.
“Restraining orders carry more weight than any other civil order,” Christensen explained. “It is a very straight forward, strong, clear document.” For many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault it is the only chance they have for safety.
People interested in applying to be a volunteer court advocate should contact Harbor, Inc. at (919) 938-3566 to request an application, or print one from their website: harborshelter.org. Volunteers will be asked to submit to a background check.
