For Q1 2025 we are raising money for Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. Sexual Assault Center (TCS, formerly People Against Rape). TCS is a sexual assault advocacy program offering free support and services for adult survivors of sexual assault in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties of South Carolina.
TCS was founded in 1974 to assist survivors of sexual assault by providing counseling and support to survivors, and education to the public regarding the crisis of sexual assault. The effort was the result of a group of concerned citizens who formed a committee to investigate the impact of sexual assault in Charleston, SC. From the work of this committee, new services became available to sexual assault survivors in and around Charleston, including crisis counseling, hospital accompaniment for forensic exams, a 24/7 hotline, support groups and educational training on sexual assault prevalence and prevention.
TCS demonstrates dynamic leadership advocating for victims of sexual assault in the Charleston metropolitan area. Over the past five decades, thousands of survivors have been served through the 24/7 hotline, hundreds of individuals have been trained in the prevention of sexual assault, and countless survivors have been given valuable resources in their time of need.
The Executive Director of TCS is Deborah Freel. In its 50th year of service, Director Freel and the TCS staff are committed to continuing its legacy of providing services to those who suffer from the epidemic of sexual violence. “For fifty years, TCS has been there at all hours to hold someone’s hand following the indescribable trauma of sexual assault. TCS educates our community to prevent sexual violence and advocates for community policies and practices that center the needs of survivors. This public service impacts the world far beyond our Tri-County,” said Freel.
SHL will be collecting donations for TCS through March, and we are working to arrange an opportunity for Deb to talk to our community about the important work they are doing.
