Restraining Orders

You can file for a permanent restraining order under any of the following circumstances:

1. You are the victim of one of the qualifying criminal offenses that took place in South Carolina;
2. You are an adult who lives in South Carolina, and you are filing on behalf of a minor child who is the victim of one of the qualifying criminal offenses that took place in South Carolina;¹ or
3. You are the spouse, parent, child, or lawful representative of a victim of one of the qualifying criminal offenses that took place in South Carolina and the victim is:
   • dead;
   • a minor;
   • incompetent; or
   • physically or psychologically incapacitated.²
4. You are a witness to one of the qualifying criminal offenses that took place in South Carolina and you assisted in the prosecution of the crime.¹ Even if you don’t actually testify at trial, you can still qualify if:
   • you were subpoenaed to testify; 
   • you expect to be subpoenaed to testify; or
   • you are likely to be called as a witness to testify for the prosecution.³

¹ S.C. Code §§ 16-3-1900(1); 16-3-1910(C)
² S.C. Code § 16-3-1900(6)(b)
³ S.C. Code § 16-3-1900(7)