South Carolina Resources

In South Carolina, during fiscal year 2001, Adult Protective Services received 4,501 reports alleging abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults. South Carolina’s rates of domestic violence, elder abuse and assault are among the highest in the nation. 

Elder abuse (S.C. Code Section 43-35-5) is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. It is generally divided into the following categories:

  • Physical abuse is physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It includes assault, battery, and inappropriate restraint.
  • Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older person.
  • Domestic violence is an escalating pattern of violence by an intimate partner where the violence is used to exercise power and control.
  • Psychological abuse is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct.
  • Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an older person’s funds, property or resources.
  • Neglect is the failure of caregiver to fulfill his or her care giving responsibilities. Self-neglect is failure to provide for one’s own essential needs.

Although estimates vary, it is generally believed that 4-6% of the elderly are abused. According to the National Incidence Study on Elder Abuse, approximately 450,000 elderly experienced abuse in 1996 nationwide. If self-neglect is included, the number is 551,000. The personal losses associated with abuse can be devastating and include the loss of independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity and security.

State Government Agencies Laws and Regulations Sources for Statistics Help Lines and Hotlines
  • Elder Abuse: Domestic/Community
    803-898-7318
  • Nursing Home Abuse/Long Term Care
    803-898-2850
Other Resources

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