The petitioner‘s right to relief under this chapter is not affected by leaving the residence or household to avoid further abuse.

The petitioner’s right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the use of such physical force against the respondent as is reasonably believed by the petitioner to be necessary to defend the petitioner or others from imminent physical injury or abuse.

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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 20-4-120

  • Abuse: means :

    (1) physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the threat of physical harm;

    (2) sexual criminal offenses, as otherwise defined by statute, committed against a family or household member by a family or household member. See South Carolina Code 20-4-20
  • Petitioner: means the person alleging abuse in a petition for an order of protection. See South Carolina Code 20-4-20