What is a domestic violence restraining order?

A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that provides protection from physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a member of the family or household. In South Carolina, a court can issue a restraining order to protect a person from an abuser who is a spouse, former spouse, a current or former household member, someone related to you by blood or marriage, or someone with whom you have a child. A restraining order grants certain restrictions on the abuser such as forbidding them from going near or contacting the protected person, their home, workplace, or school; prohibiting them from owning or possessing a firearm; and ordering the abuser to stay away from the children. A restraining order can also place restrictions on the abuser’s ability to enter certain places like the protected person’s home or workplace. In order to obtain a domestic violence restraining order in South Carolina, the victim must go to Family Court and file a Complaint for Protection from Domestic Abuse. The court can then issue a Temporary Ex Parte Order that is effective until a hearing is held. At the hearing, the court decides whether to issue a permanent restraining order, which could last up to one year. Domestic violence is a serious issue in South Carolina and restraining orders are an important tool to protect victims of abuse. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please seek help immediately.

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What is a domestic violence restraining order?

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