short and over current protection for circuits using SLA batteries at high amps
The best way to handle a short, is a fuse.  It is a device that is guaranteed to clear (open) on a fault, they can be purchased to be anywhere from extremely fast blowing to time delayed, and still today, ultra fast acting fuses are the method of choice to protect power components in motor drive controllers.

A sufficiently large diode will protect downstream components from hooking up the battery wrong.

What do you mean by "Accidental Current Overdraw"?  For a medium duration, moderate overload condition, a thermal trip breaker or even a motor starter protector might work, but I'd put such a protective device on each power drawing component (or subassembly), and not just one on the source (Battery).