With 45 years of care, understanding and change, MSH is an open door, a hand, and an advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence in South Carolina’s Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley Counties.
A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ADOVOCACY NETWORK
Survivors navigating the legal system often face overwhelming barriers—procedural complexity, limited access to legal representation, and re-traumatization in court settings. Our advocates work to eliminate these barriers through a survivor-centered legal advocacy model. Services are provided across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
We operate within both civil and criminal court contexts, coordinating directly with survivors, attorneys, and court personnel to ensure access to justice and safety planning. Our court advocates can assist survivors with drafting and filing Orders of Protection and can draft Letters of Service to support survivors’ legal claims.
DIRECT LEGAL AND ADVOCACY SERVICE
LEGAL CASE MANAGEMENT
Structured guidance throughout the life cycle of your legal matter, including documentation, deadlines, and next steps
PROTECTIVE ORDER DRAFTING AND FILING
Assistance with Orders of Protection, Restraining Orders, and associated filings
PROCESS SERVING FACILITATION
Coordination of document service in compliance with legal standards and court timelines
COURT ACCOMPANIMENT
In-person advocacy during hearings to provide emotional support, clarify procedures, and assist with real-time decision-making
ATTORNEY REFERRAL COORDINATION
Streamlined connections to qualified legal counsel, including pro bono and private attorneys with experience in domestic violence litigation
Our advocates do not provide legal representation, but we connect survivors with pro bono legal services when possible.
AREAS OF REPRESENTATION AND SUPPORT
CIVIL LEGAL SUPPORT
Protective and Restraining Orders
Custody, Visitation, and Family Court
Divorce (including Emergency Hearings)
Eviction and Housing-Related Litigation
Immigration Relief
CRIMINAL LEGAL SUPPORT
Restraining Orders
Criminal Proceedings Involving Domestic Violence
Support During Prosecution, Impact Statements, and Victim Rights Navigation
IN-COURT SERVICES
Physical Presence During Court Proceedings
Coordination with Legal Counsel and Court Staff
Post-Hearing Cebriefing and Safety Planning
Our advocates do not provide legal representation, but we connect survivors with pro bono legal services when possible.
ACCOMPANIMENT SERVICES
Survivors do not have to face the legal system alone. Having an advocate present can provide reassurance and guidance throughout the process.
Our trained advocates provide emotional support by accompanying survivors to:
Court Hearings & Proceedings
Orders of Protection Filing
Our court advocates may also provide accompaniment support for court hearings and proceedings related to domestic violence, including:
Orders of Protection Hearings
DV Related Emergency Divorce Hearings
Restraining Order & Criminal Hearings
Housing & Eviction Hearings
Custody & Visitation Hearings
Immigration Matters
WEEKLY LEGAL CONSULTATION CLINICS
DISCLAIMER This recording is intended only as a general, informational overview of legal protections for victims of domestic violence in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It is not intended as individual legal counsel and should not be used as such. Please consult a licensed attorney (pro-bono and sliding scale attorneys are available for domestic violence victims in SC's Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties) for guidance and counsel in filing for an Order of Protection, Restraining Order, or other cases involving intimate partner violence.
City of Charleston Police Department Advocate
Catrice Smalls, Victim Advocate (843) 720-2425
Chelsea Hagan, Child Advocate (843) 720-3031
Vera Witt, Spanish Speaking Advocate (843) 720-3032
Joshua Williamson, Elder Advocate (843) 720-2534​
SHERIFF AND POLICE DEPARTMENT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCACY DIRECTORY
PARTNERING WITH LEGAL PROFESSIONALS WHO UNDERSTAND DV
We maintain referral relationships with attorneys and legal entities who are trained in trauma-informed advocacy and familiar with the dynamics of intimate partner violence. These collaborations ensure survivors receive informed, ethical, and survivor-centered legal representation.
