You may file for an Order of Protection in South Carolina if you have been a victim of abuse. You may also file on behalf of a child who has been a victim of abuse. "Abuse" is defined as physical harm, bodily injury, assault or the threat of physical harm, or a sexual criminal offense committed by a family or household member.
To file for an Order of Protection in the family court, the person who caused the abuse must be a related to you in one of three ways:
1) A spouse or former spouse;
2.) Mother or Father of your child;
3.) A previous dating partner with whom you lived.
The Order of Protection relief does NOT apply to dating partners who never lived together, were never married to each other, and never had children together. If you do not qualify for the Order of Protection, there may be another type of relief that would help you. We suggest that you discuss your situation with an attorney or a victim advocate.