1. Victim and Witness Rights
- North Dakota Attorney General – Victim Services Division
Provides crime victims with compensation, legal advocacy, and rights under state law during investigations and prosecutions. - North Dakota Department of Corrections – Victim Services
Offers post-conviction victim notifications, safety planning, and access to restitution resources.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Legal Services of North Dakota
Provides civil legal help for low-income residents, including restraining orders, harassment, and stalking-related claims. - LawHelpND
A self-help portal offering information, court forms, and referrals for civil protective orders and abuse-related legal issues.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-17-07.1
What it means: Repeated, intentional behavior that causes a reasonable person to fear harm or experience substantial emotional distress. Includes cyberstalking and surveillance. - Harassment: N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-17-07
What it means: Threatening, obscene, or repeated unwanted communications, whether by phone, text, or online platforms. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under N.D. Cent. Code § 15.1-19-17 (Education Code)
What it means: Requires public schools to implement anti-bullying policies that address physical, verbal, and cyberbullying behaviors affecting student safety. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on North Dakota case law.
What it means: Libel and slander lawsuits may be filed if false statements cause reputational or economic harm. No criminal defamation law exists in North Dakota.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in any situation involving immediate danger or threats.
- Non-emergency reports may be made through local law enforcement or by petitioning the district court for a protection order.
- CAWS North Dakota
Statewide coalition connecting survivors to shelters, legal advocacy, and trauma recovery programs. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-352-6117
Confidential 24/7 support for individuals facing domestic abuse, harassment, or stalking.
5. Support Organizations
- CAWS North Dakota
Provides survivor-centered services including safety planning, legal advocacy, and housing assistance through its partner agencies. - CVIC – Community Violence Intervention Center
Offers comprehensive support for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Grand Forks and surrounding areas, including legal help and education.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
North Dakota courts offer Protection Orders and Disorderly Conduct Restraining Orders for victims of harassment, stalking, or violence. These orders may restrict physical proximity, digital contact, or other threatening behavior. Forms are available through court clerks or online legal portals, with legal aid available for guidance.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- North Dakota Department of Public Instruction – Bullying Prevention
Offers tools for educators, families, and schools to implement bullying prevention strategies and complaint procedures.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- North Dakota Courts – Protection Orders
Provides court-approved forms and step-by-step instructions for filing for restraining or protective orders.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital privacy tools and advice for individuals experiencing online stalking, impersonation, or cyber abuse.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
