The sheriff's department can help see that this Protective Order is enforced. If the abuser violates your Protective Order, immediately contact the police, the Clerk of Court or your lawyer. In addition to the relief discussed above under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act, separate criminal charges for criminal domestic violence may be filed against your abuser. This relief is available not only to family members but also persons who live together or who live together but have never been married. To file criminal charges, contact your local magistrate.
Repeat offenders face greater penalties.
This information was prepared to give you some general information on the law. It is not intended as legal advice about any particular problem. If you have questions about the law you should consult a lawyer. If you do not know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The South Carolina Bar website is provided as a membership benefit to all Bar members in South Carolina, and as a resource to serve and inform the public.