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Domestic Violence Help, Safety and Housing in South Carolina

Confidential help in South Carolina if you are being hurt by a partner: the National Domestic Violence Hotline, local programs like Sistercare, Safe Harbor and My Sister's House, shelter, and free legal help.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Start here

Hi friend. You deserve to be safe. If someone is hurting you, help is free and confidential, and you can ask questions before you decide anything. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

National DV Hotline Sistercare, Columbia Safe Harbor, Upstate

Quick answers

Who can I call any time?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800 799 7233. You can also chat online, or text START to 88788. Advocates can offer support, safety planning and referrals. The Hotline does not give direct financial help, but it can connect you with local resources.

Official page: thehotline.org/get-help

How do I find a local program in South Carolina?

The SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault works with 22 independent member programs that give confidential services to survivors. Use the county map on its Get Help page to find the program in your county.

Official page: sccadvasa.org/get-help

What help is there in the Columbia area?

Sistercare has a confidential 24 hour crisis line at 803 765 9428. It helps people identify and leave abusive relationships, with crisis planning, long term support and healthy relationship education. All services are free and confidential.

Official page: sistercare.org

What help is there in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens or Oconee?

Safe Harbor has a 24 hour help line at 800 291 2139. It offers safe emergency shelter, counseling for adults and children, case management, help filing for an Order of Protection, and transitional housing.

Official page: safeharborsc.org

Can I get an Order of Protection without a lawyer?

South Carolina Legal Services has a free self help program that walks you through the forms with a guided interview. For other legal help, call the SCLS intake line at 888 346 5592 and follow the prompts.

Official page: sclegal.org

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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If you are in danger now, call 911.
Call the hotline or your local program and ask about safety planning.
Ask about emergency shelter and what to bring.
Ask about an Order of Protection and free legal help.
Use a safe phone and clear your browser history.

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: the Hotline site has a quick exit button and warns that internet use can be monitored. If you worry someone is watching your phone, call the hotline from a safe phone instead.