Domestic Violence in South Carolina

13 verified resources.

About Domestic Violence for Fathers

Domestic violence resources for men have grown significantly over the past decade. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) accepts calls from any gender, and the Stop Abusive and Violent Environments (SAVE) helpline and ManKind Initiative are dedicated to male victims. Every state has a coalition against domestic violence, and most cities have shelters — though male-specific shelter capacity remains limited. Men can obtain protective orders in family court, request supervised visitation, and work with victim advocates attached to local prosecutor offices. For fathers falsely accused of domestic violence during custody disputes, a criminal defense attorney or family law attorney with DV experience is critical. This directory includes national hotlines, state coalitions, men's shelters where available, and protective order resources.

Domestic Violence in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

13 Resources

1. Sistercare — Free

Emergency shelter and domestic violence services for the Columbia area and Midlands. Sistercare provides crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing to survivors and their children. Call the 24/7 crisis line any time for immediate help and screening. Fathers worried about a partner or their own safety can also call for resources. Services are confidential and free to survivors.

803-765-9428 · PO Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29202 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

2. My Sister's House – Charleston — Free

Shelter, legal advocacy, and support for Charleston-area domestic violence survivors and their children. Staff provide safe housing, court accompaniment, and counseling through a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Fathers concerned about a partner's safety or their own can call for information and referrals. All services are confidential and free to survivors and their immediate family members.

843-744-3242 · PO Box 5341, North Charleston, SC 29405 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

3. Safe Harbor – Greenville — Free

Emergency shelter and services for Upstate domestic violence survivors, including children. Safe Harbor offers crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing through a confidential 24/7 hotline. Fathers seeking safety for themselves or their children can call for screening and referrals. Services are free, confidential, and available to anyone who has experienced intimate partner abuse.

864-467-3633 · PO Box 174, Greenville, SC 29602 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

4. SAFE Homes – Spartanburg — Free

Domestic violence shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for Spartanburg-area survivors and their children. SAFE Homes operates a confidential 24/7 crisis line connecting callers with emergency shelter and safety planning. Fathers concerned about their own or their children's safety can call for information and referrals. All services are free and confidential to survivors of intimate partner violence.

864-583-9803 · PO Box 2742, Spartanburg, SC 29304 · 24/7 crisis line

5. Citizens Against Spouse Abuse – Rock Hill — Free

Emergency shelter and services for York County-area domestic violence survivors and their children. Staff provide crisis counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning through a 24/7 confidential hotline. Fathers worried about their own safety or their children's can call for referrals. Services are free and confidential, and translators can be arranged for callers who speak languages other than English.

803-329-2800 · PO Box 1193, Rock Hill, SC 29731 · 24/7 crisis line

6. Pee Dee Coalition Against DV — Free

Domestic violence services, shelter, and prevention programs serving the Pee Dee region. The coalition runs a confidential 24/7 hotline connecting survivors to emergency housing, court advocacy, and counseling. Fathers concerned about their safety or their children's can call for screening and referrals. All services are free and confidential, and translators can be arranged when needed.

843-669-4694 · PO Box 1351, Florence, SC 29503 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

7. National DV Hotline – South Carolina — Free

Free 24/7 hotline connecting South Carolina domestic violence survivors to local shelters, legal advocates, and counseling resources. Trained advocates answer calls and can help with safety planning and referrals to SC-based programs. Fathers worried about their partner or themselves can call at any time. Service is confidential; interpreters are available, and online chat options exist for those who cannot call.

800-799-7233 · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Cumbee Center – Aiken — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault crisis services for Aiken County survivors and their children. Cumbee operates a confidential 24/7 crisis line and provides shelter, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers concerned about their own safety or their children's can call for information and referrals. All services are free and confidential to survivors of intimate partner violence or sexual assault.

803-641-4160 · PO Box 1293, Aiken, SC 29802 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

9. Hopeful Horizons – Beaufort — Free

Domestic violence shelter and advocacy for Beaufort and Jasper County survivors and their children. Hopeful Horizons provides emergency housing, counseling, and legal advocacy through a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Fathers concerned about their own safety or their children's can call for referrals. All services are free and confidential, and staff can arrange interpreters when needed.

843-524-2256 · PO Box 2205, Beaufort, SC 29901 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

10. Meg's House – Horry County — Free

Domestic violence shelter and support services for Myrtle Beach area survivors and their children. Meg's House runs a confidential 24/7 crisis hotline and provides safe shelter, court advocacy, and counseling. Fathers concerned about their safety or their children's can call for screening and referrals. All services are free and confidential to anyone affected by intimate partner violence.

843-248-0360 · PO Box 1367, Conway, SC 29528 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

11. The Haven – Anderson — Free

Domestic violence shelter and support for Anderson County survivors and their children. The Haven provides emergency housing, crisis counseling, and court advocacy through a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Fathers concerned about their own safety or their children's can call for screening and referrals. All services are free and confidential to survivors of intimate partner violence.

864-226-6620 · PO Box 2242, Anderson, SC 29622 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

12. PATH (People Against the Hurting) – Orangeburg — Free

Domestic violence shelter and crisis services for Orangeburg County survivors and their children. PATH operates a confidential 24/7 crisis line and offers emergency shelter, counseling, and court advocacy. Fathers concerned about their own safety or their children's can call for screening and referrals. All services are free and confidential to anyone affected by intimate partner violence in Orangeburg County.

803-534-2448 · PO Box 1284, Orangeburg, SC 29116 · 24/7 crisis line · Visit Website

13. Foothills Alliance – Pickens/Oconee — Free

Domestic violence and sexual assault crisis services for Pickens and Oconee County survivors and their children. The Alliance provides counseling, court advocacy, and safe-space referrals through a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Fathers concerned about their safety or their children's can call for screening. Services are free and confidential to anyone affected by intimate partner violence or sexual assault.

864-231-7273 · PO Box 400, Easley, SC 29641 · 24/7 crisis line

Domestic Violence — Common Questions

Can men be victims of domestic violence?
Yes — roughly 1 in 9 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and ManKind Initiative serve male victims. Stigma is a major barrier, but the legal protections (protective orders, DV charges) are available to men in every state.
What if I'm falsely accused?
Take it seriously even if untrue. Consult a criminal or family law attorney immediately; don't speak to police or the accuser without counsel. Document your whereabouts, witnesses, communications. Most protective orders can be challenged at a full evidentiary hearing within 10–21 days of initial issuance.
How do I get a protective order?
File a petition at your county's family court or civil court — no attorney required. Temporary ex parte orders can issue same-day; a full hearing typically follows within two to three weeks. Court self-help centers and DV advocates help fill out forms at no cost.
Are there shelters for men?
Male-specific DV shelter capacity is limited but exists in some cities (through organizations like Valor, ManKind, and certain state coalitions). Most DV agencies will arrange hotel placement or referral to emergency shelter for male victims when shelter-specific housing isn't available.