![]() ![]() Call our 24/7 line at 1.800.291.2139 (select option 1 to speak with someone) and complete an intake. This can be a particularly dangerous time, and Safe Harbor offers safe emergency shelter for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Please be aware that there could be several days between when your partner is served with a summons to appear in court and your court hearing date. Please visit our safety planning page for safety tips and resources on creating a personalized safety plan. SC Legal Services has an online classroom with more information about filing for an Order of Protection, preparing for court, etc. If you are granted an Order of Protection, make copies of the order to keep with you at all times (in your home, car, purse, etc.) Contact law enforcement if your abusive spouse/partner is violating the order. Do not try to speak during the times when the judge is asking questions to your spouse/partner or others. Keep in mind the courtroom is small and can only accommodate a small number of people.ĭuring the hearing, answer any questions that the judge directs toward you. You may bring witnesses or supportive people with you to court. You can also ask for an officer’s assistance if you are afraid that your abusive spouse/partner will try to approach, harass or harm you. If you feel unsafe being in a waiting area where your abusive spouse/partner will also be waiting, ask a court staff member if there is a private space where you can wait. Where do I file for an Order of Protection?Īrrive on time and dress appropriately for court (no shorts, hats, etc.)īring any supporting information you may use for evidence (threatening voicemails/texts/emails, pictures of injuries/bruises, etc.).This video classroom from SC Legal Services can help you to learn more about filing for an Order of Protection. possession of a specific car, a pet, or any other specific requests you have that aren't included in the list above. Granting you any other relief that you have asked for in your petition ‐ e.g.The order can also include that either person will have police assistance in retrieving their personal property Allowing you or the other person to get their personal property and restrict either or both people from destroying personal property.Restraining the abuser or both of you from transferring or destroying any property that might belong to the other person or that may be marital property.Granting you possession of the home you live or lived in.Requiring the abuse to pay spousal support or alimony if you are married to the abuser.Requiring the abuser to pay child support for any children you have together.Granting visitation with the children: either giving reasonable visitation or denying visitation. ![]() Granting you temporary custody of any children you have with the abuser.Restraining the abuser from contacting you or communicating with you, coming to your home, work, school or other place that the judge writes in the order.Restraining the abuser from abusing you, threatening to abuse you or harassing you.Possible types of relief through an Order of Protection include: This list includes possible types of relief the judge will make decisions about what forms of relief can be given. “Through this new legal program, we hope to bring some power back into the hands of the clients and families we walk alongside each day.The Order, if granted by the judge, can give you various types of relief on a temporary basis (6 months to 1 year). ![]() “The cycle of abuse diminishes a victim’s personal power,” said Meredith. Victims deserve nothing less, and I will do my best to offer a pathway toward justice for each and every one of them.” The newly developed legal program that I am implementing will ensure that victims feel like their voices are being heard, their stories are being told, their legal needs are given individualized attention, and that justice is being served on their behalf. “My greatest task when representing victims of domestic violence is being a voice for the voiceless. Safe Harbor staff attorney, Shanise Greenfield, is preparing to spend a good deal of her time in family court. “With this added layer to our services, we hope to fill in the gaps to meet the legal needs that our clients face.” Victims Assistance Network, and we’ll continue to refer our clients who are eligible for these services,” said Julie Meredith, Safe Harbor’s program director. “We deeply value the great work of organizations like S.C. Safe Harbor’s legal program aims to offer assistance to clients in Safe Harbor’s shelter, housing, and counseling programs who are facing legal barriers that cannot be met through the services of other community partners. Safe Harbor has hired its first staff attorney, with plans to hire a paralegal later this fall. ![]()
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