The following definitions shall apply throughout this Article, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1)        “Domestic violence victim” means a resident of North Carolina that has been subjected to acts of domestic violence as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50B-1 A resident is not required to seek a protective order under Chapter 50B of the N.C. Gen. Stat. to qualify as a domestic violence victim under this Article.

(2)        “Legal assistance” means the provision of any legal services, as defined by Chapter 84 of the N.C. Gen. Stat., consistent with this Article. Provided, that all legal services provided hereunder shall be performed consistently with the Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by the North Carolina State Bar. Provided, further, that no funds appropriated under this Article shall be used for lobbying to influence the passage or defeat of any legislation before any municipal, county, state, or national legislative body.

(3)        “Established legal services program” means the following not-for-profit corporations using State funds to serve the counties listed: Pisgah Legal Services, serving Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania Counties; and Legal Aid of North Carolina; or any successor entity or entities of the named organizations, or, should any of the named organizations dissolve, the entity or entities providing substantially the same services in substantially the same service area. ?(2004-186, s. 4.1; 2008-194, s. 3(c).)