Sexual Assault Services

MUSC Health offers comprehensive services to individuals who have experienced sexual assault. We provide both emergency services (within five days of the assault) and follow-up care after sexual assault. Some services are provided free of charge and some require billing. We also coordinate with community agencies and can assist you with receiving the help you need if you’ve experienced a sexual assault.

You will not be billed to be seen by the sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE) for DNA evidence collection, photographs, and medications for pregnancy prevention or sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. You do not have to make a formal report to the police to receive an exam, please read more about this free service on the emergency services page.

If you or someone you know experienced a sexual assault or rape within the past five days, please view the Emergency Services section of this website to learn more about this service.

If you or someone you know experienced a sexual assault that occurred more than five days ago, please view the Follow-Up Services section of this website to learn more about this service.

If you are interested in general resources about sexual assault or would like to learn more about community services, please view the Resources section of this website to learn more about this service.

What is sexual assault/rape?

Sexual assault is defined as nonconsensual sexual experiences and can range from nonconsensual contact to nonconsensual sex. Sexual assault often includes alcohol or drug involvement and is often perpetrated by someone who knows the victim. Rape is defined as nonconsensual oral, vaginal, or anal penetration (including a body part or an object).

Who experiences sexual assault/rape?

Individuals who experience sexual assault/rape may be female, male, or trans. They may be impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the assault.

Who is eligible for sexual assault services?

Anyone who is over the age of 18, and has been sexually assaulted. MUSC Children's Health Child Abuse team provides services for children 17 years old and younger.

For questions regarding SAMFE (Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam) exams, please contact Karen Hughes, BSN, RN, SANE-A, Forensic Nurse Examiner at 843-792-3391.

Our Care Team

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners

Katie Mai, MSW, LMSW, Program Coordinator/Therapist

Angel Brown, MSW, LMSW, Therapist

Christine Hahn, Ph.D., Program Director

Alyssa Rheingold, Ph.D., Director of Clinical Operations, NCVC

Gwyneth Lazenby, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist and OB/GYN