South Carolina Sexual Assault and Abuse Attorneys

Free Case Evaluation

Call 803-327-7800 now or fill out the form above to schedule your free case evaluation.

South Carolina Sexual Assault and Abuse Attorneys

design-element

Fighting to secure justice for survivors of sexual assault across the state

Sexual assault is sexual conduct that is forced or coerced, or happens without consent, and includes many other forms of illegal and improper conduct. At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, we help South Carolina victims of sexual assault take back their lives by demanding justice for the harm and pain they’ve experienced. We’ve spent the last two decades fighting for the rights of the injured; let us fight for your future, too. Please call us today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.

“Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men report being raped during their lifetime. In addition, 45.9% of South Carolina women and 17.8% of men in our state report being victims of sexual violence or coercion other than rape.”

South Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Free Case Evaluation

Call 803-327-7800 now or fill out the form above to schedule your free case evaluation.

Accident Injury Lawyers SC

How Can We Help?

What are sexual assault and sexual abuse?

design-element

Sexual assault, at its core, means any type of sexual activity that is non-consensual. South Carolina Criminal Code defines sexual assault as an act of criminal sexual conduct. There are many types of conduct which qualify as sexual assault under the law. Some examples include:

  • Coercing someone to perform a sexual act
  • Groping or fondling
  • Harassment
  • Indecent exposure
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Nonconsensual sexual gratification
  • Sexual intercourse with anyone under 16
  • Sexual relations with someone who can’t consent due to an impaired state
  • Stalking

Is rape a type of criminal sexual conduct?

design-element

Yes, it is. South Carolina does not have a specific “rape” statute. Instead, the state uses the term “sexual battery,” which it defines as “sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of a person's body or of any object into the genital or anal openings of another person's body, except when such intrusion is accomplished for medically recognized treatment or diagnostic purposes.”

The South Carolina Criminal Code does, however, use the term “rape” in its statutes.

I was not restrained or physically forced to have sex. Was I a victim of sexual assault?

Sexual assault and abuse do not necessarily require physical force. Emotional, psychological pressure and manipulation, and threats can force someone to engage in sexual activity against his or her wishes.

The one constant in all sexual assault cases is that any sexual activity must begin with consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, which means the other person needs to stop immediately – as soon as anyone says NO.

What is sexual harassment?

design-element

Sexual harassment is any unwanted and unwelcome behavior that’s sexual or inappropriate in nature. In some cases, sexual harassment is verbal – making crude jokes or unwanted advances. Sometimes, however, it’s physical, too, such as when a coworker constantly finds a way to touch your body or rub up against you. It may also include verbal behavior that references your sex, gender, or perceived sexual identity.

Catcalling is another type of sexual harassment. So is a coworker or employer using derogatory language, such as greeting a person with, “Hey there, beautiful.” Under federal law, this type of behavior is illegal, and if you are being sexually harassed, you have the right to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, (EEOC) and to report your harasser to your Human Resources department.

What is online sexual harassment and abuse?

design-element

Sexual harassment is, simply, another form of bullying. It can happen in work settings and in school settings, and, increasingly, online. In many cases, the victims are school-aged children and young adults being bullied by their peers, but adults can engage in online abuse and harassment as well. Examples of online sexual harassment include:

  • Leaving sexual comments on social media accounts
  • Making fun of a person’s sexual identity and/or gender
  • Posting illicit material or personal information about another person (AKA, “doxing”)
  • Posting intimate photos on public websites (AKA, “revenge porn” sites)
  • Sending lewd videos and/or pictures
  • Spreading rumors or falsehoods about a person’s alleged sexual activities
  • Threatening to send illicit material about a person

Can I file a lawsuit against my abuser in South Carolina?

design-element

There are two ways to seek justice against the person who sexually assaulted or abused you. The criminal courts are used to punish the people who did these horrible acts, and to deter them from committing any future acts. Defendants who are found guilty of sexual battery or other forms of criminal sexual conduct are normally sentenced to jail or placed on probation. They are also ordered to pay fines for their crimes. The standard of proof is that the defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In civil cases, there are two main goals:

  1. The first goal is to prove that a person or organization was responsible for the sexual assault or abuse. In addition to the individual who assaulted you, schools, churches, hotels, and other organizations and companies can be liable if they failed to take proper precautions to protect their students, parishioners, and customers.
  2. The second goal is to show that your injuries were the result of the assault, and that you’re entitled to damages for those injuries and losses. In this case, filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is just like filing a civil lawsuit for a car crash, or a fall on someone’s property.

In civil cases, the standard of proof is that that the defendants must be liable by a preponderance of the evidence – in other words, it’s more likely than not that they were responsible.

The evidence in a case is often the testimony of our client (the plaintiff) and the testimony of the defendant. It also includes:

  • Any history of prior convictions for sex assault crimes
  • Any physical evidence such as DNA and fibers
  • Any recordings, photos or security footage of the assault
  • The medical reports and testimony of your health providers
  • The testimony of your family members, friends, and co-workers as to your mental health and emotional well-being

Our South Carolina sexual assault injury lawyers work aggressively to introduce other evidence on your behalf such as the statements of anyone who was abused by the same person or organization, the statements of any coworkers, and the records of prior complaints of abuse. We conduct extensive discovery to examine all the related factors which may prove a teacher, school, priest, business owner, or anyone in a position of authority failed to protect you.

How long do I have to file a civil claim for sexual abuse in South Carolina?

design-element

In general, you have three years to file a civil claim for sexual assault, but there are exceptions to every rule. Minors and victims of incest may have up to six years. In some cases, you may have less time to file a claim. It is very important that you contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC quickly so that you can discuss your options for moving forward. We provide a safe and secure environment for you to discuss your needs with an attorney. If you prefer speaking with a female attorney, just let us know and we’ll arrange it for you.

Can I file a civil claim for sexual abuse even if the perpetrator is found “not guilty” in criminal court?

design-element

In many cases, the criminal case proceeds first. Sometimes, the criminal justice system will find your abuser “not guilty.” However – this does not mean you cannot file a claim in civil court. While a “guilty” verdict in criminal court may be beneficial to your civil claim, a “not guilty” verdict may have no impact on your claim at all. The evidence needed to prove liability in civil court is the preponderance of the evidence (“more likely than not”), as opposed to criminal court’s burden of proof of “beyond any reasonable doubt. There are also different methods used to prove claims in civil court that allow for a more beneficial outcome for the victim of sexual assault and abuse.

McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC will work to ensure that we have all accurate and fact-based evidence available to prove your claim.

Claiming damages for sexual assault in South Carolina

design-element

Victims of sexual assault and abuse may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. You can make a claim for compensation for damages including:

  • Lost wages. If a survivor of sexual abuse or assault misses work – or, in the case of childhood abuse, if a parent is forced to take time off of work to care for his or her child’s health and safety – these lost wages can be claimed in a civil case.
  • Medical care. Victims who seek medical attention after an attack may claim compensation for their medical bills, and necessary medications and treatments.
  • Pain and Suffering. South Carolina allows victims of criminal sexual misconduct and sexual battery to claim compensation for physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering.
  • Therapy and trauma care. Victims of rape and any type of sexual assault are often never the same after the attack or misdeed. They usually need long-term sessions with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health counselors to have the courage to move forward.

In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to deter the defendant from future similar conduct and/or punish them for sexual wrongs.

Who can be held liable for sexual assault besides the perpetrator?

design-element

In sexual assault claims, our goal is to hold all persons and businesses responsible for any abuse or assault that occurred. Most people do not realize that business often have culpability in allowing these heinous acts to occur. We will fight to hold the people and businesses accountable for your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation from:

If you were attacked and abused by an individual, are a victim of sex trafficking or exploitation, or had your rights violated by a person of authority, McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC wants to help you. You can contact us to learn more about your legal rights. You can also find more helpful information and resources here.

Read More:

Fighting for sexual assault survivors in South Carolina

If you or anyone you love is the victim of sexual assault, or you have reason to believe your loved one has been sexually assaulted, you need immediate legal help. It’s critical that we speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh. It’s important that you see the right doctors. It’s essential that wrongdoers are made to pay for these unconscionable acts. To get civil justice for any act of criminal sexual conduct, call the South Carolina sexual assault lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today. We will arrange for you to speak to one of our female attorneys if you prefer.  You can call us at 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients across the state, and have a team of caring people who will guide you through the litigation process.

Practice Areas