{"id":376314,"date":"2016-04-11T01:24:10","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:48:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T20:48:52","slug":"south-dakota-family-law-on-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/south-dakota-law\/south-dakota-family-law-on-domestic-violence.html","title":{"rendered":"South Dakota Family Law on Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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South Dakota Family Law on Domestic Violence<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Domestic abuse<\/span> in South Dakota<\/span> refers to physical harm<\/span>, threats, stalking, or harassment committed against family members<\/span>, household members<\/span>, or people in romantic relationships. South Dakota<\/span> law provides protections for victims through protection orders, address confidentiality programs, and enhanced penalties for abusers. Violations of protection orders carry criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors<\/span> to felonies depending on the severity and number of violations.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Domestic violence<\/span> involves abusive acts between people in close personal relationships. South Dakota<\/span> has laws in place to help victims and punish abusers.<\/p>\n

Domestic abuse<\/span><\/u><\/a> is a complex subject. To help those dealing with domestic violence<\/span> issues in South Dakota<\/span>, this article answers common questions about domestic abuse<\/span>. If you prefer a more traditional approach, FindLaw’s South Dakota<\/span> Domestic Violence<\/span> Laws<\/span><\/u><\/a> article has you covered.<\/p>\n

Is It \u201cDomestic Abuse<\/span>\u201d or \u201cDomestic Violence<\/span>\u201d?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Domestic abuse<\/span><\/u><\/a> is the term South Dakota<\/span> uses in its codified laws and as the legal definition in the state. However, you’ll see domestic violence<\/span> used on official South Dakota<\/span><\/u><\/a> State websites<\/u><\/a> and national organizations<\/u><\/a>. In general, the terms are interchangeable.<\/p>\n

How Does South Dakota<\/span> Define Domestic Abuse<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Domestic abuse<\/span><\/u><\/a> is used to describe a narrow subset of crimes committed between people sharing close personal relationships. No matter what the offense is, there can’t be domestic violence<\/span> between strangers in South Dakota<\/span>. In the same vein, non-abusive acts between family members<\/span> can still be considered crimes, but not domestic abuse<\/span>.<\/p>\n

South Dakota<\/span> law requires that domestic violence<\/span> crimes involve family members<\/span> or household members<\/span><\/u><\/a>. People and relationships that fall under that definition include:<\/p>\n