‘It’s like I’m running for my life’: Savannah mom says protective order isn’t stopping harassment, raises questions about enforcement

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah mother says even with a permanent protective order in place, she and her children are still trying to stay safe from an abusive ex—raising questions about how court orders are enforced after a conviction.

“Once I got away, I realized it wasn’t hard. Just please get away. If you have kids, find a safe place. Reach out to a family member,” she said.

Britiaine McSwain, a Savannah resident, said she has had to relocate repeatedly while trying to avoid continued harassment.

“It’s like I’m running for my life… like I keep having to relocate,” McSwain said.

McSwain has a permanent protective order that bars her ex from contacting her and requires him to stay at least 100 yards away.

But she says the protection exists largely “on paper,” because she believes enforcement has not kept up with ongoing violations.

New numbers, third parties, and what she calls a “gray area”

McSwain said she continues to receive threatening messages, sometimes from new phone numbers or through third parties, which she believes can be harder to track and prosecute.

She also shared screenshots of messages she said include threats—some referencing her location in real time.

McSwain said she wishes tougher restrictions were possible for repeat offenders.

“When they give them a chance to let them out, they still reach out to the victims… they don’t have no respect for the courts,” she said.

What the DA’s office says about revoking probation

WTOC reached out to the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, which said that for probation to be revoked, a warrant must first be issued—typically by law enforcement or the person’s probation officer.

McSwain said she has submitted evidence to both, but she is still waiting for movement.

Limited resources for victims trying to leave

McSwain also said support systems can feel stretched thin for victims trying to leave unsafe situations, including limited shelter availability.

“Some women don’t have the help… there’s no help,” she said.

She said she has moved multiple times in an effort to keep her family safe, but believes that until enforcement matches the protections already ordered by the court, she and her children remain at risk.

State supervision agency response pending

WTOC also contacted the Georgia Department of Community Supervision about McSwain’s situation. The agency confirmed it received the request, but a formal response had not been provided as of publication.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, consider contacting a local domestic violence hotline or 911 in an emergency.