Helpful Resources

Empowerment and Recovery

Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. provides a range of resources for sexual assault survivors, including counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, and medical assistance. We also offer a 24-hour hotline for crisis intervention and information. Additionally, we have community education programs and outreach services to promote awareness and prevent sexual violence.

Coping After An Assault

Check out this online free, brief, confidential tool to learn about coping skills and substance use after sexual assault.

View Tool

The Statistics

Sexual violence affects millions of people each year in the United States. Researchers know that the numbers underestimate this problem because many cases are unreported. Victims may be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to tell the police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims may also keep quiet because they have been threatened with further harm if they tell anyone or do not think that anyone will help them.

1 Sexual violence is common

More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.

2 Sexual violence starts early

One in 3 female rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and 1 in 8 reported that it occurred before age 10. Nearly 1 in 4 male rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and about 1 in 4 reported that it occurred before age 10.

3 Sexual violence is costly

Recent estimates put the cost of rape at $122,461 per victim, including medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities, and other costs.

Source: CDC, 2021

Mental Health Resources

People at group therapy session indoors, closeup

Therapy After Sexual Assault

A therapy research study for distress after sexual assault is available at MUSC. As part of the study, eligible participants receive 5 therapy sessions. All study visits can be done online.

Payment of up to $472 is available for those who qualify. You may be eligible if you are a woman, 18 years or older, experienced a recent sexual assault, and drink alcohol.

Call or text our research coordinator to learn more at: 843-806-7724

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center

Tri-County SPEAKS has a partnership with mental health providers at the National Crime Victims.
Research and Treatment Center to offer the following services:

Free phone calls to check-in on well-being and help getting connected with resources during the 3 months following sexual assault.
Up to 5 free sessions with a mental health provider focused on managing stress after sexual assault for people who have experienced sexually assault in the past 3 months.
Therapy for trauma is also offered. Therapy for trauma can be offered any time, even if the sexual assault happened years ago. There are options for people who lack payment.

Call or text our care coordinator, Katie Mai, to learn more at: 843-860-5544.

How to Help a Friend

Listen and support

It takes a lot of courage for someone to share their experience and this person likely sees you as a safe person. Try to provide a safe, non-judgemental space, emotional comfort, and support as they share. Try to refrain from asking questions about what happened and instead let them lead the conversation. Validate their feelings.

Believe them

A common reason people choose not to get help or reach out for support is because they may fear that the listener may not believe them. In this moment, it is your role as a support person to believe them. It is also important to know that every person responds to trauma differently.

Reassure them it was not their fault

Many survivors blame themselves for what happened, will try to rationalize the assault, and may try to minimize what happened. Let them know it was not their fault and no matter what, they need to know that you believe them and the blame is not on them.

Encourage them to seek care

Ultimately, it is up to your friend if they want to seek help but the more informed you are on resources, the more helpful you can be when they are ready to start their healing journey. Our Hotline is available 24/7 to discuss options, resources, and to provide advocacy for the survivor.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself and practice self-care

All of our services are free, you are welcome to call our 24/7 hotline at 843-745-0144 to speak with an advocate about talking to a friend. We also offer a support group specifically for loved ones of survivors of sexual assault. This free group is held on the fourth Monday of every month from 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Our Community Partners

Support Us and Survivors

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join our team of volunteers and be part of the change. Whether you want to lead workshops, provide support to survivors, or assist with advocacy efforts, your time and skills are invaluable.

Donate

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us make a difference. Your financial support allows us to expand our programs, reach more people, and create safer environments.

Spread The Word

Raise awareness by sharing our mission on social media, attending our events, or talking to your friends and family about the importance of sexual assault prevention and education.