A South Carolina Temporary (Ex Parte) Restraining Order is a court order issued by a judge that requires an individual to cease certain behaviors for a certain period of time. The order is issued on an emergency basis without the accused being present, and is intended to protect an individual from being the victim of abuse or harassment. There are three types of South Carolina Temporary (Ex Parte) Restraining Orders: Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment, and Sexual Assault. A Domestic Abuse restraining order is issued to protect a person from physical or psychological abuse, or threats of abuse, from an intimate partner or family member. A Stalking and Harassment restraining order is issued to protect a person from being followed, monitored, or threatened by another person. Finally, a Sexual Assault restraining order is issued to protect a person from unwanted sexual contact or threats of sexual contact.