South Carolina Domestic Violence Help & Safety Resources

Shelters, hotlines, safety planning steps, and DV resources in South Carolina.

South Carolina Domestic Violence Resource Hub

1. South Carolina Hotlines and Statewide Services

These options may offer advocacy, referrals, and information. They are not a replacement for emergency services.

• South Carolina statewide domestic violence hotline (through local shelters and programs)
• Local county sheriff or police non-emergency lines (for reporting patterns or asking about procedures)
• South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) – network of local programs, shelters, and advocates
• South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) – for concerns involving children’s safety
• Hospital social work departments – for injury documentation and referrals

2. Basic Safety Steps in South Carolina

These are general safety-focused options. Choose what fits your situation and local context.

2.1 Planning for Safer Moments at Home

• Identify rooms with an exit and without items that can be used as weapons (for example, avoid the kitchen during arguments when possible).
• Consider a code word or phrase with trusted people that means “call me” or “check on me.”
• Keep a small “grab-and-go” set of essentials in a discreet place (keys, copies of documents, a basic change of clothes, any needed medications).
• Review where you could go locally (friend, family, workplace, public place, or shelter) if you choose to leave quickly.
• If applicable, review custody schedules, school pick-up rules, and who is authorized to pick up children.

2.2 Digital and Phone Safety

• Check phone settings for location sharing, shared Apple IDs or Google accounts, and shared cloud photo albums.
• Consider using a separate email account or phone for sensitive communication, if safe to do so.
• Review app permissions for location, microphone, and camera access.
• Log out of shared devices (tablets, computers, smart TVs) when doing sensitive searches or communication.
• Use strong, unique passwords and, where safe, two-factor authentication not linked to a shared phone number.

2.3 Safety When Leaving or Arriving

• Plan optional routes to common locations (home, work, school, daycare) that feel safer or more visible.
• Tell only people you trust about any planned changes in routine.
• If available and safe, park in well-lit areas and back into parking spots for easier exits.
• Keep your phone charged and consider a car charger or small battery pack.

3. Where to Seek Legal Protection in South Carolina

This section outlines common formal protection options. It is not legal advice.

3.1 Orders of Protection (Family Courts)

• In South Carolina, Orders of Protection are generally requested through Family Court when the person causing harm is a “household member” as defined by state law.
• You can ask court staff or a local victim advocate how to file and what forms are needed.
• Courts may offer:
  • Temporary emergency orders
  • Hearings where both parties can appear
  • Information about how long an order can last
• Local domestic violence programs may have court advocates who:
  • Explain the process
  • Help with forms
  • Accompany you to hearings, where available

3.2 Restraining Orders and Criminal Protections

• If the person is not a qualifying “household member,” you may explore other restraining order options through Magistrate Court or other courts.
• Police reports can sometimes lead to:
  • Criminal charges
  • No-contact provisions as part of bond conditions
  • Victim notification programs regarding release or court dates
• Victim advocates with the Solicitor’s Office (prosecutor’s office) may be available if a criminal case is active.

4. Safely Documenting Abuse in South Carolina

Documentation can support your memory, safety planning, and legal processes. Consider how to store information in ways that do not increase risk.

4.1 What You May Choose to Document

• Dates, times, and locations of incidents
• What was said or done, using simple, factual descriptions
• Injuries, medical visits, or missed work/school
• Damage to property, pets, or belongings
• Witnesses (neighbors, family, coworkers) who were present or aware
• Any police reports or incident numbers

4.2 Ways to Store Documentation

• Written log or journal kept in a safe and discreet location
• Digital notes stored in a password-protected account, if access is not shared
• Emails sent to yourself at an account that the other person cannot access
• Copies of documents (police reports, medical discharge papers, court documents) stored:
  • With a trusted person
  • In a safe deposit box
  • In a locked drawer at work, if permitted

4.3 Photo and Video Evidence

• Photos of injuries or damaged property may be useful, but only if it is safe to take and store them.
• Consider:
  • Using a device the other person cannot access
  • Backing up to a secure cloud account that is not shared
  • Printing photos and storing them offline in a safe location
• Be aware of South Carolina laws about recording conversations; recording someone without appropriate consent may have legal consequences.

5. Local Support Options in South Carolina

Support can include shelter, advocacy, and practical help. Availability varies by county and funding.

• Domestic violence shelters and outreach programs (often provide safety planning, court advocacy, and support groups)
• Sexual assault crisis centers (sometimes share services or advocates with domestic violence programs)
• Legal aid organizations (civil legal help for protection orders, housing, family law, where eligible)
• Faith-based and community organizations with victim assistance programs
• County victim advocate offices (through sheriff, police, or Solicitor’s Office)

6. Information to Gather Before Reaching Out

If it is safe and practical, the following may help when contacting hotlines, advocates, or legal services. It is also acceptable to reach out without all of this information.

• Your full name and safe contact information (phone, email, mailing address)
• Names of the person causing harm and any children involved
• Basic timeline of recent incidents (approximate dates are often enough)
• Any existing court orders or pending cases (family court, criminal, DSS)
• Safe times and ways for an advocate to reach you
• Access needs (language interpretation, disability-related accommodations)

7. Practical Questions to Ask Local Providers

These questions can help you compare options and understand what each South Carolina resource offers.

• What services do you offer (shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, transportation)?
• Do you serve my county, or can you refer me to a program that does?
• Is there a cost for your services?
• What are your confidentiality rules and limits?
• Can you help with Orders of Protection or attending court?
• Do you provide services in my primary language, or can you access an interpreter?
• Do you have any safety suggestions specific to my area (for example, local court procedures, shelter capacity, transportation)?

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Gathering Evidence Safely
• Digital Safety Basics
• Preparing for a Protection Order Hearing
• Talking to Police and Advocates