LEGAL ADVOCACY SERVICES
Our court advocates can assist survivors with drafting and filing Orders of Protection and can draft Letters of Service to support survivors’ legal claims.
The Court Advocacy Team also assists survivors with understanding and navigating the process of filing legal documents related to domestic violence circumstances, including:
Orders of Protection
DV Related Divorce
Restraining Orders
Housing & Eviction
Criminal Proceedings
Immigration
Custody and Visitation
Legal Process Navigation & Referrals
Our advocates do not provide legal representation, but we connect survivors with pro bono legal services when possible.
ACCOMPANIMENT SERVICES
Survivors do not have to face the legal system alone. Having an advocate present can provide reassurance and guidance throughout the process.
Our trained advocates provide emotional support by accompanying survivors to:
Court Hearings & Proceedings
Orders of Protection Filing
Our court advocates may also provide accompaniment support for court hearings and proceedings related to domestic violence, including:
Orders of Protection Hearings
DV Related Emergency Divorce Hearings
Restraining Order & Criminal Hearings
Housing & Eviction Hearings
Custody & Visitation Hearings
Immigration Matters
DISCLAIMER This recording is intended only as a general, informational overview of legal protections for victims of domestic violence in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is not intended as individual legal counsel and should not be used as such. Please consult a licensed attorney (pro-bono and sliding scale attorneys are available for domestic violence victims in SC's Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties) for guidance and counsel in filing for an Order of Protection, Restraining Order, or other cases involving intimate partner violence.
SHERIFF AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCACY DIRECTORY
City of Charleston Police Department Advocate
Catrice Smalls, Victim Advocate (843) 720-2425
Chelsea Hagan, Child Advocate (843) 720-3031
Vera Witt, Spanish Speaking Advocate (843) 720-3032
Joshua Williamson, Elder Advocate (843) 720-2534​