Sexual Assault Services
Services for sexual assault and sexual violence, including rape.
When consent is not obtained or freely given, sexual violence or sexual assault has occurred. More than 50 percent of women and nearly one in three men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. Our staff provides compassionate and professional services and support to assist victims/survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence, including rape. Advocates provide accompaniment at local hospitals, share information on anonymous reporting, help ensure victims’ rights are protected and help victims navigate the criminal justice system while providing critical support throughout the life of the case. Hopeful Horizons also offers supportive counseling, therapy, legal assistance, and case management services for victims/survivors free of charge.
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.
24/7 Hospital Accompaniment
We partner with local hospitals and emergency departments in four counties (Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper) and the 14th Circuit’s Victim Services Center to offer face-to-face support for any sexual assault victim who walks through the door. Our hospital accompaniment advocates come onsite to provide emotional support, victim rights information, information on anonymous reporting and can assist with reporting the assault to law enforcement, if the victim/survivor so chooses. The advocate can also connect the victim/survivor with additional services available through Hopeful Horizons.
Victim Advocacy
Our Advocates provide compassionate and professional support to meet the immediate needs of victims/survivors of sexual assault and rape. They provide crisis counseling, support and information and advocate on behalf of victims to ensure that their rights are protected. Advocates can help victims/survivors navigate the criminal justice system while providing critical support throughout the life of the case as well as connecting survivors with resources they may need within Hopeful Horizons or in the community.
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
Counseling + Therapy/Treatment
Supportive Counseling is provided by masters-level therapists who help clients explore the impact that sexual assault has had on their lives while reinforcing the fact that victims are not to blame. Sexual assault often leaves victims unable to make decisions and insecure about their strengths and abilities. Supportive counseling can help clients rediscover the self-esteem necessary to heal.
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.
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.
Therapy FAQs
Do you offer Evidence-Based Trauma Treatments?
Yes, we have Masters Level Therapist’s 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.