South Carolina / Charleston Area Sexual Assault Resources

Written /compiled by Wyvette Leoni PA-C and Brittany Albright MD

At Sweetgrass Psychiatry, we firmly believe no one deserves to undergo sexual assault. If you have been a victim of trauma, we are here to help and support you. We want you to reclaim your body and reclaim your life. You deserve to live free from fear and anxiety. You were made perfectly and beautifully.

We are heartbroken for the trauma you’ve endured. Sexual assault / trauma should never happen to anyone and it is our passion to support and encourage trauma victims. Please know there are many resources out there for you and YOU ARE NOT ALONE in your suffering. Counseling and therapy are vital to recovery and there are some wonderful therapists at Sweetgrass Psychiatry in Mount Pleasant, SC and Isle of Palms, SC as well as virtually who are waiting for you to reach out and want to be there to emotionally support and guide you during the transition from victim to survivor.

As you navigate through trauma, here are some helpful resources:

SC was the first state in the nation to offer Crime Victim Compensation. They extend free medical care and counseling. All you have to do is apply using this link:

If you are local to Charleston, we also highly recommend services at MUSC:

According to the MUSC website: “MUSC Health offers comprehensive services to individuals who have experienced sexual assault. We provide both emergency services (within five days of the assault) and follow-up care after sexual assault. Some services are provided free of charge and some require billing. We also coordinate with community agencies and can assist you with receiving the help you need if you’ve experienced a sexual assault.

  • At MUSC, you will not be billed to be seen by the sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) for DNA evidence collection, photographs, and medications for pregnancy prevention or sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. You do not have to make a formal report to the police to receive an exam, please read more about this free service on the emergency services page.

  • If you or someone you know experienced a sexual assault or rape within the past five days, please view the Emergency Services section of the MUSC website to learn more about this service.

  • If you or someone you know experienced a sexual assault that occurred more than five days ago, please view the Follow-Up Services section of the MUSC website to learn more about this service.

  • If you are interested in general resources about sexual assault or would like to learn more about community services, please view the Resources section of the MUSC website to learn more about this service.

What is sexual assault/rape?

Sexual assault is defined as nonconsensual sexual experiences and can range from nonconsensual contact to nonconsensual sex. Sexual assault often includes alcohol or drug involvement and is often perpetrated by someone who knows the victim. Rape is defined as nonconsensual oral, vaginal, or anal penetration (including a body part or an object).

Who experiences sexual assault/rape?

Individuals who experience sexual assault/rape may be female, male, or trans. They may be impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the assault.

Who is eligible for sexual assault services?

Anyone who is over the age of 18, and has been sexually assaulted. MUSC Children's Health Child Abuse team provides services for children 17 years old and younger.

For questions regarding SAMFE (Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam) exams, please contact Karen Hughes, BSN, RN, SANE-A, Forensic Nurse Examiner at 843-792-3391.”

We also recommend Tri-County SPEAKS as a resource to victims:

Per their website, “We offer free confidential services to adult survivors of sexual assault in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties of South Carolina.  Our services include a 24-hour hotline, hospital accompaniment during Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE), police and law enforcement accompaniment, court accompaniment, follow-up services, as well as support groups.  To learn more about any of our direct services, call our hotline 24/7 at 843-745-0144.”

An additional local South Carolina resource committed to helping sexual assault victims is Silent Tears SC / People Against Rape:

Per their website, “The organization offers free, confidential services to adult survivors of sexual assault in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties. Other services include a 24-hour hotline, trauma-informed counseling, support groups and accompaniment to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams, law enforcement interactions and court proceedings.

The organization also expanded its education department to teach sexual assault prevention in high schools, colleges, medical facilities, churches, and other community locations.”

You are not alone. We are here for you to support you through every step of this journey. Call us at Sweetgrass Psychiatry (843) 800-1303 today for help overcoming this trauma. We have many experts specializing in trauma / PTSD on our local Charleston, SC team.

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