What to Expect When You Reach Out for Help:

  • Police: 911

  • Greater Charlotte Hope Line/Safe Alliance: 980-771-4673

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Depending on who you call and what services you have been received, your case would be taken up differently. Below are descriptions of Mecklenburg County domestic violence services.

Remember: Filing a violence case with authorities does NOT include automatic divorce. You would need to file that separately as divorce is considered a civil court matter. Only filing a violence case would result in a criminal trial. 

❋ Greater Charlotte Hope Line

A hotline that works with Safe Alliance. Any person who is a victim of sexual or domestic violence or in need of parenting can reach out for help. They provide empathetic guidance . Depending on the severity of the case, they will offer a temporary stay at the Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence shelter. Or they will get Child Protective Services (CPS) involved to conduct timely check ins to make sure the family is safe. By reporting, you are opening a case in the system. They also will provide you information on seeking legal help via Safe Alliance (see below) 

❋ Calling the Police

In the event of an emergency, it is best to call the Police. Depending on the severity of the situation, they will either conduct an arrest, or just a personal talk with the family. You can register to talk to the Magistrate at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse if you are ready to file a case. In the event of 

❋ National Domestic Violence Hotline

Like calling Police, the National Domestic Violence Hotline will first check your location and transfer you to local services. From there, depending on the severity of your situation they will either send law enforcement immediately, or provide you with necessary information to file a case.

❋ Safe Alliance

A protective organization that offers multiple services. The organization is affiliated with Mecklenburg County Courthouse. If you need to file a DVPO after 9am on a weekday talk to a magistrate. If not, arrive at 601 E 5th St #400, Charlotte, NC 28202 (safe alliance) before 9am on a weekday. There, you can ask the front desk for the best center for your case. If your case involves sexual violence at all, they will refer you to the Sexual Trauma center in which you will be guided through the process of filling out a DVPO. If your case does not involve any sexual violence, they will send you to the Domestic Violence Center (not to be confused with the shelter!) in which they will guide you through the process of filing for a case in the court. Once you finalize your documents at Safe Alliance, they will direct you to Mecklenburg County Courthouse to officially register your case in the court.

❋

What to Expect When you reach out for help 

Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day One

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

How It Works

  • Scroll up to see local resources!

    If you want a divorce and protection → Call Safe Alliance early morning before 9 am to get an opportunity to speak with the Judge.

    If you need immediate protection → Greater Charlotte Hopeline or 911. Keep in mind police will be involved if you contact either of these services

    Need Guidance on what to do → Greater Charlotte Hopeline, and National Domestic Violence Hotline.

    Legal protection → Follow Instructions on Safe Alliance section of this page

  • Hotline or Police → Immediate intervention. May result in arrest or just friendly check in. Second report of police may result in more serious out. Domestic Social Services and Child Protective Services may be involved depending on severity of situation especially if you contact a Domestic Violence Helpline.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

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