Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Understanding Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

Domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) are patterns of power and control that can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual, or digital. They affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds — and they deeply impact children, teens, and families.

Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse – hitting, choking, restraining, or any physical harm.
• Emotional and psychological abuse – threats, humiliation, isolation, gaslighting.
• Financial abuse – controlling money, sabotaging employment, withholding basic needs.
• Digital abuse – monitoring phones, social media, location, or using technology to harass.
• Sexual abuse – any sexual activity without clear, freely given consent.

Warning Signs

• Extreme jealousy, possessiveness, or control over where someone goes and who they see.
• Isolation from friends, family, school, or work.
• Frequent put-downs, name-calling, or humiliation.
• Threats of harm, self-harm, or harm to children or pets.
• Pressure, coercion, or force around sex or intimacy.

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault in South Carolina

Domestic Violence in South Carolina

• South Carolina has consistently ranked among the top 10 states for women killed by men in domestic violence incidents.
• Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in South Carolina experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
• Law enforcement agencies respond to tens of thousands of domestic violence calls each year, with many more incidents going unreported.
• Firearms are involved in a significant portion of intimate partner homicides in the state.

Sexual Assault in South Carolina

• About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men in South Carolina experience sexual assault.
• More than 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.
• Only an estimated 25–30% of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement.

Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is a serious and often hidden form of domestic violence. It can occur in both in-person and online relationships and affects teens across South Carolina and the nation.

Key Facts

• About 1 in 3 teens experience physical, emotional, or digital dating abuse.
• Only around one-third of teens who experience dating violence tell someone about it.
• Schools in South Carolina report increasing cases of digital abuse, including threats, monitoring, and coercive control.
• Teens exposed to dating violence are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, school failure, and risky behaviors.

Sexual Assault on College Campuses

College can be a time of independence and opportunity — but for many students, it is also a time of increased risk for sexual assault. Gemstones Youth Development Inc. supports students and families by promoting consent, safety, and advocacy.

Key College SA Statistics

• About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience sexual assault during their college years.
• More than 90% of campus sexual assaults are never reported to authorities.
• Alcohol-facilitated sexual assault is one of the most common forms of campus violence.
• LGBTQ+ students experience sexual assault at higher rates than heterosexual peers.
• Most campus assaults are committed by someone the victim knows — often a classmate, friend, or dating partner.

Survivor Support & Safety

Safety looks different for every survivor. Gemstones Youth Development Inc. encourages survivors to make choices that feel safest for them and to connect with trained advocates whenever possible.

Gemstones Youth Development Inc.'s Role

Gemstones Youth Development Inc. exists to empower youth, strengthen families, and build communities where violence is not tolerated. We focus on prevention, education, and advocacy.

What We Do

• Provide youth empowerment and leadership programs.
• Offer education on healthy relationships, consent, and digital safety.
• Partner with schools, churches, and community organizations to raise awareness.
• Support families navigating the impact of domestic violence and sexual assault.