Kiel Teresa Traverse, 32, Minot, is charged with Class C felony domestic violence causing serious bodily injury in district court in Minot.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Traverse stabbed her boyfriend with a knife during an argument. The boyfriend required stitches on his left side.

The boyfriend had shoved Traverse down on the couch and punched and slapped her a number of times, according to the affidavit, and Traverse grabbed a knife and told the man to get out or she would stab him. At some point during the argument the man was stabbed in the side. Police did not see any marks on Traverse.

Two children were present in the apartment during the fight, according to the affidavit.

The boyfriend did not want to bring a charge against Traverse.

Traverse made an initial appearance on the charge on Friday in district court before Judge Todd Cresap. Traverse told the judge that she was acting in self defense and she was anxious to get back to her children and to her job.

Cresap set bond at $5,000 cash or corporate surety or $1,000 cash. The prosecution had asked for a higher bond but Cresap reviewed the affidavit and said the circumstances called for the lower bond, which Traverse said is still too high.

“I don’t have $1,000,” she cried, and said she was worried about losing her job.

Cresap urged her to file the necessary paperwork to apply for a court-appointed attorney.