{"id":376223,"date":"2025-03-13T13:28:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T18:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-13T13:37:01","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T18:37:01","slug":"south-carolina-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"South Carolina Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">South Carolina Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 13, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>South Carolina defines domestic violence as assault, bodily injury, or threats of physical harm against a household member. The state delineates three degrees of domestic violence, each varying in severity and associated penalties. Household members include current or former spouses, individuals sharing a child, or male and female cohabitants. Interpretation of the law has been adapted to protect individuals in same-sex relationships following a 2017 state Supreme Court ruling.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>South Carolina has comprehensive legislation to address domestic violence through criminal penalties and civil protections. The South Carolina Protection from Domestic Violence Act is designed to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek immediate help. You can contact any of the following hotlines:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sccadvasa.org\/\" title=\"South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) at 1-800-260-9293\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) at 1-800-260-9293<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" title=\"National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll explain South Carolina&#8217;s laws related to domestic violence, including how it&#8217;s defined, penalties, and protective orders.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in South Carolina<\/h2>\r\n<p>In South Carolina, domestic violence cases are mainly governed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t20c004.php\" title=\"Protection from Domestic Abuse Act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Protection from Domestic Abuse Act<\/a>. This comprehensive law establishes both the protections for victims of domestic abuse and the criminal penalties for those found guilty of domestic violence offenses.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Definition of Domestic Violence<\/h3>\r\n<p>South Carolina laws define domestic violence as assault, bodily injury, physical harm, or other threat of physical harm committed against a <b>household member<\/b>. We&#8217;ll explain who the state considers &quot;household members&quot; below.<\/p>\r\n<p>The state also recognizes three degrees of domestic violence. Each of them has distinct elements and penalties.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Definition of Household Member<\/h3>\r\n<p>Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t16c025.php\" title=\"South Carolina Code\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Code<\/a>, household members are any of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Current or former spouses<\/li>\r\n<li>Persons who have a child in common<\/li>\r\n<li>A male and female who are living together or previously lived together<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This definition of a household member is notably different from other states in several ways:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>It excludes other family members who might live in the same home, such as siblings and grandparents.<\/li>\r\n<li>It does not address abuse that occurs between people in an intimate relationship who are not living together. This is sometimes called &quot;dating violence&quot; or &quot;intimate partner violence&quot; in other states.<\/li>\r\n<li>It does not explicitly cover abuse between same-sex couples who live together. But, in 2017, <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/sc-supreme-court\/1881409.html\" title=\"the South Carolina Supreme Court held\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the South Carolina Supreme Court held<\/a> that family courts cannot deny orders of protection to people in same-sex relationships based on the &quot;male and female&quot; language.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>People experiencing abuse that does not fall under South Carolina&#8217;s definition of domestic violence still have options. Victims of certain crimes can seek a restraining order, and prosecutors can still bring charges such as assault or battery.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Criminal Classifications<\/h2>\r\n<p>South Carolina recognizes three degrees of domestic violence. They are categorized based on their severity and other circumstances surrounding the case. The table below lays out the elements of each charge and its penalties.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th><p>Charge<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<th><p>Description<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<th><p>Penalty<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature (DVHAN)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature is a <b>felony<\/b> and the most serious form of domestic violence in South Carolina. It covers acts of domestic violence where the court finds evidence of:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>An extreme indifference to the value of human life<\/li>\r\n<li>Causing great bodily injury to the victim(s)<\/li>\r\n<li>Causing fear of great bodily injury or death<\/li>\r\n<li>Violation of a protection order while committing first-degree domestic violence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&quot;Extreme indifference to the value of human life&quot; is determined by the judge. A few examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Use of a deadly weapon<\/li>\r\n<li>Strangulation<\/li>\r\n<li>Committing the offense in front of a minor<\/li>\r\n<li>Committing domestic violence against someone they know, or should know, is pregnant<\/li>\r\n<li>Committing domestic violence during a robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or theft<\/li>\r\n<li>Using physical force to prevent the victim from reporting the abuse or getting medical help<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>S.C. Code \u00a716-25-65<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Up to 20 years in prison<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Domestic violence in the first degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>First-degree domestic violence occurs when a household member commits an act of domestic violence, and they do any of the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Cause great bodily injury or act in a way likely to result in great bodily injury<\/li>\r\n<li>Violate a protection order while committing second-degree domestic violence<\/li>\r\n<li>Have two or more prior domestic violence convictions within 10 years<\/li>\r\n<li>Use a firearm in any manner<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>First-degree domestic violence is a felony in South Carolina.<\/p>\r\n<p>S.C. Code \u00a7 16-25-20(B)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Domestic violence in the second degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Second-degree domestic violence is a <b>misdemeanor<\/b>. It occurs when a household member commits an act of domestic violence and any one of the following occurs:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>They cause moderate bodily injury<\/li>\r\n<li>They violate a protection order while committing third-degree domestic violence<\/li>\r\n<li>They have a prior domestic violence conviction in the last ten years<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>S.C. Code \u00a7 16-25-20(C)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of $2,500 to $5,000, or both<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Domestic violence in the third degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Third-degree domestic violence is the base offense. It is a <b>misdemeanor<\/b>. It occurs when a household member:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Causes physical harm or injury to a household member<\/li>\r\n<li>Threatens or attempts to cause physical harm or injury to a household member, creating fear or imminent peril<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>S.C. Code \u00a7 16-25-20(D)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Up to 90 days in prison, a fine of $1,000 to $2,500, or both<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2>Aggravating Factors<\/h2>\r\n<p>Prosecutors can also increase the severity of a domestic violence charge if certain factors are present.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, let&#8217;s say someone commits an act of abuse that falls under <b>second-degree domestic violence<\/b>. But one of the following factors exists:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A minor was present at the time<\/li>\r\n<li>They knew or should have known the victim was pregnant<\/li>\r\n<li>The abuse occurred during the commission of a robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or theft<\/li>\r\n<li>The abusive act impeded the victim&#8217;s breathing or airflow<\/li>\r\n<li>They used physical force or threats of force to prevent the victim from calling law enforcement or emergency medical services<\/li>\r\n<li>The alleged abuser is in violation of a protective order<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>In this case, the charge would increase to <b>first-degree domestic violence<\/b>. Similarly, an act of third-degree domestic violence can increase to a second-degree charge under the circumstances listed above.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Mandatory Arrest<\/h2>\r\n<p>Some states require police to make an arrest whenever they respond to a domestic violence call. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t16c025.php#:~:text=SECTION%2016%2D25%2D70,recklessness%2C%20wilfulness%2C%20or%20wantonness.\" title=\"S.C. Code \u00a7 16-25-70\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">S.C. Code \u00a7 16-25-70<\/a> allows law enforcement officers to make an arrest, with or without a warrant, when there is probable cause that a person committed or is committing domestic violence. They can arrest the alleged offender even if the act did not happen in their presence.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, state law does not require a mandatory arrest.<\/p>\r\n<p>If they receive conflicting complaints from the same household, police will investigate to determine who is the &quot;primary aggressor.&quot; When doing so, they can look at various factors, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Prior complaints<\/li>\r\n<li>Severity of injuries<\/li>\r\n<li>Likelihood of future injury<\/li>\r\n<li>Self-defense claims<\/li>\r\n<li>Any history of domestic violence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If police determine one person is the primary physical aggressor, they cannot arrest the other party (even if the primary aggressor accuses them of something).<\/p>\r\n<h2>Protective Orders<\/h2>\r\n<p>South Carolina family courts issue <b>orders of protection<\/b> to address domestic violence. The magistrate courts can issue restraining orders to help victims of harassment, stalking, and other crimes that do not fall under domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scstatehouse.gov\/code\/t20c004.php#:~:text=SECTION%2020%2D4%2D60.,5)%2C%20inserted%20%22%2C%20including%20pet%20animals%2C%22.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">standard order of protection<\/a>&nbsp;can provide comprehensive safeguards for the victim. They temporarily restrain the alleged abuser from further threats or abuse. It also often prohibits the alleged abuser from contacting the victim and accessing the victim&#8217;s residence, workplace, or other locations.<\/p>\r\n<p>This type of order of protection can also address practical matters such as:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Granting temporary custody and visitation rights for minor children<\/li>\r\n<li>Ordering temporary financial support<\/li>\r\n<li>Granting temporary possession of the shared residence<\/li>\r\n<li>Protecting pet animals owned by either party<\/li>\r\n<li>Prohibiting property transfer or disposal<\/li>\r\n<li>Awarding attorney&#8217;s fees and costs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>There are no filing fees for South Carolina protective orders. For more details, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-carolina-law\/south-carolina-protective-orders-laws.html\" title=\"South Carolina Protective Order Laws\">South Carolina Protective Order Laws<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Duration of Protection Order<\/h3>\r\n<p>Protection orders are valid for a fixed period ranging from six months to one year. But the victim (petitioner) can seek an extension of these orders if they show good cause, with notice to the other party. The alleged abuser (respondent) also has a right to request a hearing within 30 days of the expiration date.<\/p>\r\n<p>The court can also terminate the order with the consent of both parties.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Penalty for the Violation of Protection Order<\/h3>\r\n<p>Violation of a protection order carries consequences and fines. South Carolina laws consider it a criminal offense punishable by up to 30 days of prison term and a fine of up to $200. It can also lead to a contempt of court charge, which can result in one year of imprisonment or a fine of $1,500 or both imprisonment and fine.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Firearms Restrictions<\/h3>\r\n<p>Those with a domestic violence conviction can face restrictions on their ability to buy and possess firearms. The court may impose:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A lifetime ban for high and aggravated domestic violence convictions<\/li>\r\n<li>A ten-year prohibition for those convicted of first-degree domestic violence charges<\/li>\r\n<li>A three-year prohibition for lower domestic violence charges<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The federal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/the-domestic-violence-offender-gun-ban.html\" title=\"Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban\">Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban<\/a> can also apply.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Seek Legal Advice<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can seek immediate help by calling 911 or your local authorities.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can also contact the following hotlines online or by phone for support and guidance:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sccadvasa.org\/\" title=\" South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) at 1-800-260-9293\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA)<\/a> (1-800-260-9293)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" title=\" National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> (1-800-799-SAFE (7233))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>These hotlines can connect you to local resources and legal assistance. Once you&#8217;re in a place of safety, consider your legal options and protections.<\/p>\r\n<p>Seeking orders of protection or other legal safeguards can be overwhelming. A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/south-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"family law attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family law attorney<\/a> can help you get one and plan for your long-term safety.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you&#8217;re facing criminal charges related to domestic violence, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/south-carolina\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"criminal defense attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a> to protect your rights and understand your legal options.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                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                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n            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medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Family law matters are often complex and require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Lawyers can protect your rights and seek the best outcome\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Family Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/is-domestic-violence-a-felony-or-misdemeanor-.html\">\n                        Is Domestic Violence a Felony or Misdemeanor?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/what-happens-if-i-violate-my-own-restraining-order-.html\">\n                        What Happens If I Violate My Own Restraining Order?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/types-of-domestic-violence.html\">\n                        Types of Domestic Violence\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains South Carolina&#8217;s domestic violence laws, including definitions, degrees, penalties, and protective orders. Learn more and seek legal advice<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":376183,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-376223","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376223"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376223\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/376183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376223"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=376223"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=376223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}