Stewards of Children
Charleston Area Community Resources
1. THERAPISTS FOR SURVIVORS
Therapists who treat adult survivors of child sexual abuse
1.
Dr. Elissa Blake Noble
843-452-5010
263 King St # B
Charleston, SC
2. Dr. Rhea Cravens
843-442-4892
1001 Anna Knapp Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC
3. Dr. Jennifer Gans
843-532-1010
1001 Anna Knapp Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
4. Dr. J Patrick Leverett
843-813-0354
222 W Coleman Blvd
Mt Pleasant, SC
5. Dr. Mark Alan McClain
843-556-4157
1 Poston Rd # 145
Charleston, SC
6. Dr. Mary Svendsen
843-569-2904
2138 Ashley Phosphate Rd # 203
North Charleston, SC
7. Dr. Bonnie Cleaveland
843-571-4005
1173 Southgate Dr
Charleston, SC
8. Dr. Joseph R. Dispenza
843-881-8805
1092 Johnnie Dodds Blvd # A1
Mt Pleasant, SC
9. Dr. Annette Godow
843-723-0227
180 Wentworth St
Charleston, SC
10. Dr. Deborah A. Marcet
843-971-7679
1001 Anna Knapp Ext
Mount Pleasant, SC
11. Dr. Brian Sullivan
843-377-0665
843-830-2954
12. Dr. L Randolph Waid
843-881-2778
222 W Coleman Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Therapists who counsel families of victims of child sexual abuse:
1.
Dr. Elissa Blake Noble
843-452-5010
263 King St # B
Charleston, SC
2. Dr. Brian Sullivan
843-377-0665
843-830-2954
3. Dr. Jennifer Gans
843-532-1010
1001 Anna Knapp Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
4. Dr. Mark Alan McClain
843-556-4157
1 Poston Rd # 145
Charleston, SC
5. Dr. Mary Svendsen
843-569-2904
2138 Ashley Phosphate Rd # 203
North Charleston, SC
Therapists who treat child victims of child sexual abuse
1. Dr. Elissa Blake Noble
843-452-5010
263 King St # B
Charleston, SC
2. Dr. Jennifer Gans
843-532-1010
1001 Anna Knapp Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
3. Dr. Mark Alan McClain
843-556-4157
1 Poston Rd # 145
Charleston, SC
4. Dr. Mary Svendsen
843-569-2904
2138 Ashley Phosphate Rd # 203
North Charleston, SC
5. Dr. Joseph R. Dispenza
843-881-8805
1092 Johnnie Dodds Blvd # A1
Mt Pleasant, SC
*SAUNDERS, BENJAMIN
Phone: (843) 553-0816
Email: SAUNDERS@MUSC.EDU
165 CANNON ST
CHARLESTON
SC 29425-0001
Specializing In:
Chile/ Sexual Abuse
Family Violence
Marital/ Divorce
General Practice
*CAMPBELL, SALLIE
Phone: (843) 553-0816
Email: CAMPBELS@MUSC.EDU
TRIDENT EXECUTIVE VILLAGE
NORTH CHARLESTON
SC 29406
Specializing In:
Adolescent
Child
Sexual Trauma
Marital/ Divorce
Adult
2. SUPPORT GROUPS FOR VICTIMS
Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center
1061 King St.
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 723-3600 ext.116
Fax number: (843) 720-7106
E-Mail address: lcc@dnlcc.org
Internet Site: www.dnlcc.org
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Kid’s Groups for Sexual Abuse: Talk/Art Therapy
Pre-Adolescent Group: Tuesdays 3:30pm
Adolescent Group (13+): Wednesdays 3:30pm
Male Survivors: Every Thursday 5:00pm
People Against Rape
2154 N. Center Street, Suite 302
N. Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 745-0144 Administrative Offices
(800) 241-7273 24 hour Crisis Line
Fax number: (843) 745-0119
E-Mail address: pardirector@knology.net
1) Adult Survivors of Abuse & Incest: Every Thursday: 5:30-7:00pm
2) Survivors of Rape: 2nd & 4th Tuesday
Lowcountry Crisis Services
2148 Dorchester Rd.
Charleston, SC 29405
843-746-1003
Fax number: (843) 745-0119
E-Mail address: pardirector@aol.com
Broken Spirits Network: an online support group for victims of abuse and domestic violence
http://www.brokenspirits.com/
E-mail: info@brokenspirits.com
eSupportGroups - Abuse Survivors: Members-only chat room and message board for
survivors of abuse.
www.esupportgroups.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=122
3. SUPPORT GROUPS FOR FAMILIES
Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center
1061 King St. Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 723-3600
Fax number: (843) 720-7106
E-Mail address: lcc@dnlcc.org
Internet Site: www.dnlcc.org
1) Mother’s Group: Tuesdays 9:30am, Support/Education
Lowcountry Crisis Services
2148 Dorchester Rd.
Charleston, SC 29405
843-746-1003
Fax number: (843) 745-0119
E-Mail address: pardirector@aol.com
Carolina Medical Assessment Center
2735 Speissegger Dr. Suite 107
N. Charleston, SC 29415
(843) 529-4533
(843) 554-3428 Emergency 24/7
Fax number: (843) 529-4539
Internet Site: www.cmacforensic.org
Family Violence Treatment Center
1056 E. Montague Ave.
N. Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-9111
Fax number: (843) 747-2657
E-Mail address: psych911@aol.com
Internet Site: www.familyviolence.com
People Against Rape
2154 N. Center Street, Suite 302
N. Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 745-0144 Administrative Offices
(800) 241-7273 24 hour Crisis Line
Fax number: (843) 745-0119
E-Mail address: pardirector@knology.net
4. SUPPORT & HELP FOR ADULTS/ADOLESCENTS WITH SEXUAL
ABUSE/BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS
Stop It Now!
351 Pleasant Street, Suite B319, Northampton, MA 01060
Office: (413) 587-3500 Fax: (413) 587-3505
Helpline: 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368)
Email: info@stopitnow.org
www.stopitnow.org
Stop It Now! is a national, public health based organization working to prevent child sexual
abuse. They educate adults including people at risk for abusing and their families and friends
about the ways to prevent child sexual abuse and promote the policy changes at the local and
national level to support prevention strategies.
Stop It Now! Helpline is a toll-free number for adults who are at risk for sexually abusing a child,
for friends and family members of sexual abusers and/or victims, and for parents of children with
sexual behavior problems. This helpline service is confidential, available Monday through Friday,
9:00AM-5:00PM (EST) at 1-888-PREVENT (1-888-773-8368).
The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA)
4900 S.W. Griffith Drive, Suite 274, Beaverton, OR 97005
Office: (503) 643-1023 Fax: (503) 643-5084
Email: atsa@atsa.com
www.atsa.com
ATSA was founded to foster research, facilitate information exchange, further professional
education, and provide advancement of professional standards and practices in the field of sex
offender evaluation and treatment. ATSA provides referrals for affiliated sex offender treatment
providers throughout the United States.
The Safer Society Foundation, Inc. (SSFI)
PO Box 340, Brandon, VT 05733-0340
Office: (802) 247-3132 Fax: (802) 247-4233
www.safersociety.org
SSFI is a national research, advocacy and referral center dedicated to the prevention and
treatment of sexual abuse. They offer a variety of services including, sex offender treatment
referrals, responses to research requests, and training and consultation. The Safer Society Press
offers publications for treatment providers, child & adult offenders, survivors and mandated
reporters. A free catalog is available.
Sexual Abuser Treatment Referral Line is a national referral service operated by SSFI for
anyone interested in locating a treatment provider for an individual with sexual behavior
problems.
Office: (802) 247-3132 (Monday - Friday, 9AM-4:30PM, EST) To fax request: (802) 247-4233
To email request: tammyk@sover.net.
National Adolescent Perpetration Network (NAPN)
Kempe Children's Center, 1825 Marion Street, Denver, CO 80218 Office: (303) 864-5192 Fax:
(303) 837-2791
Email: Ryan.Gail@tchden.org
www.kempecenter.org/about.htm
NAPN is a cooperative network of professionals working with sexually abusive youth. NAPN
provides information and referrals, publishes a biannual newsletter, hosts annual national
conferences, and encourages the development of regional networks. Individuals seeking treatment
can contact Gail Ryan for information or referrals.
National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity (NCSAC)
The National Office, PO Box 725544, Atlanta, GA 31139
Office: (770) 541-9912
Email: ncsac@mindspring.com
www.ncsac.org
NCSAC promotes public and professional recognition, awareness and understanding of sexual
addiction, sexual compulsivity and sexual offending. NCSAC provides public and professional
access to education, information and referral resources for those who specialize in the treatment
of sex addiction.
5. Contact Info for nearest child advocacy center:
Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.
Libby Ralston, Executive Director
P.O. Box 20579
Charleston, SC 29413
Phone: 843.723.3600
FAX: 843.720.7106
lralston@dnlcc.org
www.lowcountrychildrenscenter.org
Lowcountry Children’s Center provides the following services:
> Forensic interviews/ assessments with treatment recommendations
> Short and long-term treatment
> Group treatment for child victims and their families
> Trauma-based Art Therapy; Individual and Group Interventions
> Community Case Management Staffing
> Case consultation with other statewide agencies
> Training for professionals on child abuse victimization and family issues
> ARGUS+ computerized tracking system for tracking client progress
> Interview rooms and videotaping capabilities for coordinating initial assessment of
child victims and their families; Information and referral services
> Office space for community agency staff assigned to the LCC
> Library of recent literature and research in the area of child and family victimization
> Advocacy for children issues
The program aims to coordinate the delivery of services (DSS, Law Enforcement, Medical Care,
Mental Health…) to minimize duplication and to maintain the focus on the child. Abused
children and their families are offered a safe, comfortable, and non-threatening place to receive
the appropriate services needed. When contacting the center, one should expect the following:
> Child victims are referred by Child Protective Services (DSS), law enforcement
jurisdictions, medical, school, and mental health professionals, the Solicitor’s Office, or
by any agency or individual in the community.
> Children are next interviewed by trained professionals.
> Case management staffings provide multidisciplinary professional input into the
assessment of needs and the development of treatment plans. Recommendations
regarding child protection, prosecution, case management, and needed services are also
made by this team.
> The progress of each case is coordinated and monitored through meetings with the
agencies involved to prevent children from “getting lost in the system.”
> Individual, group, and family therapy is provided by mental health professionals.
> As a Task Force, community members meet monthly to problem solve concerns that
arise and to facilitate the interdisciplinary understanding of the various roles and
responsibilities of individuals and individual agencies.
http://www.lowcountrychildrenscenter.org/
Nearest Child Protective Services:
South Carolina State Government: Child Protective Services
(843) 953-9400
(843) 953-9422
Charleston, SC 29401
Persons who come to the attention of the Department of Social Services in need of protective
services are those who are potentially abusive of their children or who are suspected of having
abused or neglected their children. DSS caseworkers assess reports of child abuse/neglect to
determine their validity. This includes determining whether the child is "at risk" of being abused
or neglected and determining the family's need for support services.
Intervention in child protection cases requires that a worker have both a working knowledge of a
variety of treatment modalities and resource development skills. Sometimes this treatment
intervention requires the temporary placement of children out of their home(s) to ensure their
safety. Child protective services caseworkers also provide information and referral services to
families requesting assistance not related to abuse/neglect.
http://www.state.sc.us/dss/cps/index.html
6. Physicians experienced in treating sexually abused children:
Medical University of South Carolina
Department of Pediatrics
MUSC Children's Hospital
Charleston, SC 29425
(803) 953-8459
(803) 792-2123 (Night or Weekend)
(803) 953-8459 (Fax)
Director: Sara E. Schuh, MD, MPH, FAAP
Carolina Medical Assessment Center
2735 Speissegger Dr. Suite 107
N. Charleston, SC 29415
(843) 529-4533
(843) 554-3428 Emergency 24/7
Fax number: (843) 529-4539
Internet Site: www.cmacforensic.org
7. Contact info for helplines and other web services
Darkness to Light’s Child Sexual Abuse Helpine
1-866-FOR-LIGHT (1-866-367-5444)
For any individual, child or adult who needs resources about sexual abuse.
www.Darkness2light.org
Trident United Way: (Children, adolescents, & adults)
Trident United Way
PO Box 63305
Charleston, SC 29419
(843) 740-9000
For Child Care Resource & Referral -call (843) 747-9900; or toll free (877) 227-3454; or E-mail care4kids@tuw.org
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24 hour Hotline – Dial 2-1-1 or (843) 744-HELP or 1-800-922-2283
TeenLine – (843) 747-TEEN or 1-866-873-TEEN
Business Office Phone – 747-3007
Email: 211@tuw.org
www.211help.org
The National Center for Victims of Crime (children, adolescents, & adults)
Contact for help, information about your options, & referrals to local services.
• call Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 8:30 pm EST at
1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255)
or our TTY line, 1-800-211-7996
• e-mail: webmaster@ncvc.org
• write at: Victim Services
National Center for Victims of Crime
2000 M Street, NW
Suite 480
Washington, DC 20036
Childhelp® USA National Child Abuse Hotline
Provides reporting numbers, and has Hotline counselors who can provide referrals.
1-800-4-A-CHILD®
(1-800-422-4453)
TDD: 1-800-2-A-CHILD
8. Attorneys Who Specialize in Criminal Conviction of Sexual Predators
&/or
Civil Lawsuits Against Sexual Predators
G. Simms McDowell, III
36 Broad Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401-3045
(Berkeley & Charleston Cos.)
Telephone: 843-723-5152
FAX: 843-577-4570
URL: http://www.mcdowellfirm.com
Practice Areas: Divorce Law; Family Law; Adoption Law; Guardianship Law; Child Custody
Law; Child Support Law; Alimony Law; Separation Agreements; Juvenile Law; Child Abuse;
Child Neglect Law; Real Estate Law; Real Estate Closings Law; Real Estate Title Law; Title
Insurance Law; Foreclosures Law; Contracts Law; Leases and Leasing Law; Small Business
Law; Wills Law; Living Wills Law; Collections; Incorporation Law; Probate Law; Automobile
Accidents and Injuries Law
Raymond W. Godwin
Attorney at Law
A Professional Corporation
819 East North Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
(Greenville Co.)
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 354, Greenville, SC, 29602
Telephone: 864-241-2883;
Fax: 864-255-4342
Web Site: http://www.scadopt.com
Gregg Meyers
39 Broad Street, Suite 300
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
(Berkeley & Charleston Cos.)
Telephone: 843-720-8714
Fax: 843-720-8704
Practice Areas: Qui Tam Litigation; First Amendment Law; Trial Practice; Commercial
Litigation; Construction Law; Sexual Abuse; Sexual Assault; False Claims Act
9. South Carolina’s Laws: mandatory reporting, statue of limitations, statutory rape,
CSA definition, laws on testimony???
From: (http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/general/legal/statutes/search/searchresults.cfm)
Child Sexual Abuse
Citation: § 20-7-490
Child abuse or neglect or harm occurs when the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for
the child’s welfare commits or allows to be committed against the child a sexual offense or
engages in acts or omissions that present a substantial risk that a sexual offense would be
committed against the child.
Standards for Reporting:Citation: § 20-7-490
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Harm or threatened harm
Acts or omissions
WHO MUST REPORT
Physicians; nurses; dentists; optometrists; medical examiners or coroners; employees of county
medical examiners' or coroners' offices; any other medical, emergency medical services, or allied
health professionals;
School teachers or counselors; child care workers in any childcare centers or foster care facilities;
principals; assistant principals;
Any mental health professionals; Christian Science practitioners; religious healers; social or
public assistance workers; substance abuse treatment staff;
Police or law enforcement officers; judges; undertakers; funeral home directors; or employees of
funeral homes;
Persons responsible for the processing of films; computer technicians.
Individual Responsibility: Citation: § 20-7-510
A mandated reporter shall report to the department or a law enforcement agency when the
reporter has reason to believe that a child's health has been adversely affected by abuse or neglect.
The report is made to a law enforcement agency when abuse is committed by someone other than
a person responsible for the child's welfare.
Agency Responsibility: Citation: § 20-7-510
When a report is made to a law enforcement agency, the department shall be notified.
Criminal investigations are referred to the law enforcement agency.
Content of Reports:Citation: § 20-7-510
Reports must include the identity of the reporter, which is kept confidential.
CIRCUMSTANCES
When, in their professional capacity, the person has received information which gives the person
reason to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely
affected by abuse or neglect.
PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS
S.C. Code Ann. § 20-7-550 (Law. Co-op. Supp. 1998)
The privileged quality of communication between husband and wife and any professional person
and his patient or client, except for that between an attorney and client or priest and penitent, is
abrogated and does not constitute grounds for failure to report, or the exclusion of evidence in a
civil protective proceeding resulting from a report.
FAILURE TO REPORT
S.C. Code Ann. § 20-7-560 (Law. Co-op. Supp. 1998)
Any person required to report a case of child abuse or neglect or any person required to perform
any other function under the reporting laws, who knowingly fails to do so, or a person who
threatens or attempts to intimidate a witness, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction,
must be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
FALSE REPORTING
S.C. Code Ann. § 20-7-567 (Law. Co-op. Supp. 1998)
It is unlawful to knowingly make a false report of abuse or neglect.
A person who violates this statute is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined
not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 90 days, or both.
SC MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING ONLINE (FREE!!) http://childlaw.sc.edu/mandate/
Statues of Limitations:
South Carolina Code §15-3-555, enacted in 2001
Extends the statute of limitations for civil claims arising out of child sexual abuse to:
(a) 6 years after the person reaches 21 or
(b) 3 years from the time the victim realizes that their injuries are caused by the child
sexual abuse.
Statutory Rape
Statutory rape was formerly known as the unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the
age of 14. When someone is under 14, as a matter of law, she is legally incapable of consenting
(willingly having sex). In 1977, South Carolina repealed the old law and enacted a new statute
entitled criminal sexual conduct with minors. Under the current statute, the degree of the criminal
sexual conduct offense, stated above, depends on the victim's age. A person is guilty of first
degree criminal sexual conduct if the victim is less than 11 years old. A person is guilty of second
degree criminal sexual conduct if the victim is less than 14 years old. A person is guilty of second
degree criminal sexual conduct if the victim is over 14 years old and less than 16 years old and
the person has familial, custodial or official authority over the victim or is older than the victim.
S.C. Code Section 16-3-655
http://www.scbar.org/member/lre/teenlaw_crimsex.asp
Testimony
SECTION 16-3-1410. Victim/witness assistance program; responsibilities of Victim
Compensation Fund.
Child sexual assault/incest victims must be given practical legal support by allowing them
videotape, legal transcript, or closed session testimony. http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgibin/query2003.exe
10. State assigned legal counsel for sexual abuse cases and Guardian Ad Litem program
Guardian ad Litem Program
P.O. Box 296
Charleston, SC 29402
Phone: (843) 9584350
Fax: (843) 9584355
Our Mission...
The South Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program recruits, trains, and supervises
volunteers who are court-appointed to represent and advocate for the best interests of children in
family court proceedings involving allegations of abuse or neglect.
Our Goal...
It is our vision to provide a volunteer advocate for every child who is the subject of an
abuse and neglect proceeding in South Carolina.
http://www.govoepp.state.sc.us/children/guardian.htm
SECTION 20-7-110. Legal representation. [SC ST SEC 20-7-110]
Child abuse and neglect proceedings:
(1) Children must be appointed legal counsel and a guardian ad litem by the family court.
Counsel for the child in no case may be the same as counsel for the parent, guardian, or other
person subject to the proceeding or any governmental or social agency involved in the
proceeding.
(2) Parents, guardians, or other persons subject to any judicial proceeding are entitled to legal
counsel. Those persons unable to afford legal representation must be appointed counsel by the
family court.
(3) The interests of the State and the Department of Social Services must be represented by the
legal representatives of the Department of Social Services in any judicial proceeding.
http://www.scstatehouse.net/cgi-bin/query2003.exe