According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. have experienced serious physical violence by their partners during their lifetime.
Furthermore, approximately 3,500 to 4,000 children in the country witness family violence every year.
And according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for children and women in the U.S.
It should already be clear just how much of a severe problem domestic violence is.
At least victims of domestic violence have various support services across the nation that they can access.
If you need domestic violence support in your local Myrtle Beach area, there are several services available.
Here are six that can help you.
Agencies Working with Domestic Violence Victims Are Required to Keep Your Details Safe and Secure
Before we look at some of the places where victims of domestic violence can seek support, it is worth mentioning that all agencies have confidentiality protocols to ensure you can speak openly while staying safe.
Even the domestic violence software that is designed to aid agencies ensures your details are kept safe and secure.
Agencies understand that situations can be personal and even potentially life-threatening, so security and confidentiality are a top priority for any agency that helps victims of domestic violence and abuse.
1. The Rape Crisis Center for Horry and Georgetown Counties
This center provides free and confidential information to assist victims of domestic violence.
In addition to 24-hour crisis counseling, the center can also assist with victim advocacy, legal help, case management, support groups, children’s services, and referral services.
2. United Way of Horry County
Located in Conway, United Way provides domestic violence victims with multiple social services, including information and referrals for both emergency and non-emergency needs, including counseling, emergency shelter for battered women and children, suicide prevention services, and other human service needs.
3. Children’s Recovery Center
The Children’s Recovery Center, which is located on Legion Street, Myrtle Beach, works with social workers, medical professionals, and local law enforcement to perform forensic medical assessments and examinations in order to ensure the safety of children who are victims of things like domestic violence.
The center also provides counseling and treatment services to child victims and their families.
4. The Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties
In 2021, the Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties opened.
It is a collaboration between community partners and agencies that are working together to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people who are victims of domestic violence in both Georgetown and Horry counties.
Families and individuals can access a wide variety of free services.
Staff members can listen and provide support and information. They can also connect people with other community-based and government programs.
The Georgetown county office is located on Highmarket Street. The Horry county office is located on Apache Drive.
5. Barnabas Horse Foundation
For therapeutic assistance for individuals and families who are recovering from traumatic experiences like domestic violence, the Barnabas Horse Foundation in Myrtle Beach provides horse-assisted therapy services.
There is no charge for psychotherapy services but people are asked to give donations to cover the cost of insurance.
6. Waccamaw Center for Mental Health – South Strand Clinic
Individuals and families who suffer mental health problems due to domestic violence and other issues can get support from various clinics in the Myrtle Beach area.
At the community Waccamaw Center for Mental Health, people with serious and persistent mental health issues can get help.