Domestic Violence Services
Services for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Intimate Partner Abuse…
Violence in intimate relationships is more common than you might think – about 41% of women and 26% of men experience physical or sexual violence or stalking by a partner in their lifetimes. Other forms of abuse that one partner uses to gain control in a relationship such as threats, name-calling, gas-lighting and financial abuse are also very common. Hopeful Horizons provides emergency shelter services, supportive counseling, therapy, advocacy, legal assistance, and case management services for victims/survivors free of charge. Hopeful Horizons also offers free services and support for children who have witnessed domestic violence.
Hopeful Horizons welcomes everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. We provide accommodations for the languages spoken in our service area through staff or interpreters and offer our services equally to the deaf or hard of hearing and the visually impaired.
24/7 Support Line
To access any of our services, please call our 24/7 Support Line at 843-770-1070 or 800-868-2632. Our support line is staffed around the clock to provide crisis intervention for victims/survivors and/or their loved ones. We understand that flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, fear, and depression are common symptoms that victims experience. Having someone available to provide emotional support, or to simply lend a listening ear can go a long way to paving the path towards healing and recovery.
Hopeful Horizons’ Emergency Shelter
Victims tell us the first time they have felt safe in months is the moment when they reach the privacy of a Hopeful Horizons’ bedroom. Finally, they can sleep peacefully, knowing they will not be terrorized or attacked.
Our comfortable shelter includes six bedrooms; a large living area; a children’s room; a spacious, modern kitchen where residents take turns preparing meals and a private, fenced-in play area for children. The shelter can house up to 24 residents.
The shelter also offers in-person counseling groups for shelter clients & their children.
Counseling, Therapy, and Treatment
Hopeful Horizons offers an array of counseling and treatment services for adult and child survivors of domestic abuse.
Counseling is provided by master’s level counselors who help clients explore the effects of domestic violence on their lives while reinforcing the fact that victims are not to blame for the abuse they have endured. Years of emotional abuse often leave victims unable to make decisions and insecure about their strengths and abilities. Counseling can help clients rediscover the self-esteem necessary to heal.
Therapy/Treatment is provided by licensed therapists through the highest-quality evidence-based trauma-focused treatment models. Treatment can often mitigate the long-term impact trauma has on victims.
Case Management
Hopeful Horizons’ case managers provide support and assistance to adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The case manager works with survivors to identify goals and link them to other resources in the community. Goals might include locating affordable housing, obtaining transportation, accessing child care, securing permanent employment and relocating to improve safety.
Legal Services
Hopeful Horizons’ Legal Department provides holistic legal services to eligible survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and stalking at no cost. Services include answers to legal questions and representation in civil and family courts regarding all types of restraining orders, divorce, custody, visitation, child support, separate maintenance and support, and equitable distribution, and referrals for other types of legal help. The legal team also provides supportive victim accompaniment by staff to criminal and bond court hearings.
Holistic legal services include:
- Advocacy for victims
- Safety planning
- Information and education
- Assistance in applying for victim compensation programs and other benefits and services
- Referrals for services inside and outside of Hopeful Horizons
Support Groups
The silence of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse can lead to a lifetime of trauma, shame, and fear. Survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse can find hope and healing by sharing and listening to the experiences and insights with other survivors. We offer support groups and tailors them as victims/survivors request the service. At any given time, there may be a women’s or men’s support group or a group geared toward LGBTQ+ survivors, depending on current need. Groups can be virtual or in person. We believe that healing is a journey and no survivor should have to walk the journey alone. Please call our support line 843-770-1070 to find out more or to request to join a group.
Support Group FAQs
Support Group Details
Domestic Violence survivors are not alone. Hopeful Horizons offers a weekly virtual peer support and psychoeducation group to promote connection, develop coping skills, and encourage self-empowerment. Support Group is a confidential, affirming, supportive, non-clinical space for those seeking dialogue with individuals facing similar challenges.
Support Group meets Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm on Microsoft Teams.
How do I join Support Group?
Those interested in joining may call the 24-hour support line (843-770-1070) for more information. Our staff will help connect you with an advocate who will complete a brief intake to best support your needs.
Is Support Group Anonymous?
This is a safe, confidential space for participants. All who join agree to protect the identities of members and the contents of the discussions.
Is Support Group like therapy?
Group participants may connect with others and find support through discussion. However, this is not a clinical space. Please see below for clarification of expectations:
Support Group is a good fit for those:
- Seeking connection with others
- Interested in developing coping skills
- Able to sit with conversations about violence
- Wanting to get support from others
- Without frequent dissociation/flashbacks
Clinical Counseling might be better for:
- Deeply processing traumatic events
- Sensitivity to triggers, traumatic reactions
- Recent trauma that needs decompression
- Safe space to sit with only your own trauma
- Current crisis/suicidal ideation
Can I be in Support Group and Individual Counseling?
Yes, clients who have been connected with Individual Counseling services are eligible to participate in Support Group.
General FAQs
How do I get help/access services?
Please call our 24-hour support line (843-770-1070). A staff member will do a brief intake over the phone to get more information about you and your situation. They will provide information about the services Hopeful Horizons’ offers to help you determine how we may best be able to assist.
What if it’s an emergency?
If you are currently in danger, please call 911. When you are able to get to a safe place, please call our 24-hour support line (843-770-1070).
What if I need shelter right now?
Please call our 24-hour support line (843-770-1070). A staff member will do a brief intake over the phone to get more information about you and your situation and determine if there is space at our shelter. Our shelter is staffed 24/7 to enable us to admit people at any time.
Shelter FAQs
How long can I stay at the shelter?
Once approved for shelter, adult clients and their children may stay up to 60 days. Our staff provides voluntary services to assist shelter residents in working towards goals to help ensure there is a housing plan in place at the end of 60 days.
What services do I have access to at the shelter?
Supportive counseling, therapy, children’s services, victim advocacy, legal assistance and case management services can all be accessed onsite.
Can I still get services after I leave the shelter?
Former shelter residents can still access services through our outreach program. Oftentimes, adult clients and their children will attend individual and/or group counseling after they have left the shelter.
Can I come back to the shelter if I’ve been there before?
Our staff understands that people may return to an abusive partner six to nine times before they make a final break. Former clients who find themselves in dangerous situations once more are encouraged to call for shelter without fear of prejudice.
Does the shelter house male victims or adult male children?
Male victims of domestic violence and women with male children 18 or older receive shelter off-site and can access all of the same services offered on-site.
What can I bring with me to the shelter?
Due to limited storage space, we ask that you only bring essentials and around a week’s worth of clothes for each person. There is laundry onsite and we can provide basic items you may have left behind.
Therapy FAQs
Do you offer Evidence-Based Trauma Treatments?
Yes, we have Master’s Level Therapists with training and certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
ART works to reduce the negative traumatic memories by processing the images and thoughts related to the trauma via rapid eye movements.
Do you offer Telehealth Services?
We are able to offer Telehealth services, if appropriate. Once you have called the support line to ask for Adult Therapy Services, you will be assigned to meet with a therapist for your first session. If you prefer to meet via Telehealth, please let the advocate know this and all steps will be taken to determine if this is a viable option for you. Telehealth services will be offered on HIPAA-compliant.
How long does therapy last?
Engaging in therapy to reduce the negative impact of trauma can be short- or long-term in nature. It is highly dependent on your own personal desires and circumstances. You will have the ability to discuss your treatment goals with your therapist and create a plan that best suits your needs.
Do you need help?
Our number is (843) 770-1070. We are available 24/7.