How to Report Child Abuse
If you have concerns that a child is being abused or neglected by a parent, guardian, or any other adult responsible for that child’s welfare, make a report to the Department of Social Services (DSS) in the county where the child lives.
If you have concerns that the child was abused by a non-caregiver or the abuse is a criminal matter, make a report to the law enforcement agency where the alleged offense occurred.
If a child makes a disclosure, do NOT do an in depth interview, instead conduct a Minimal Facts Interview:
- Who? Names of victims and suspects
- What? What happened
- Where? Where did the incident happen
- When? When did it happen
- Witnesses? Were there any witnesses
Dorchester County Contacts:
- Dorchester Co. DSS: 843-821-0444 (press 3)
- Dorchester Co. Sheriff’s Office: 843-832-0300
- Summerville Police Dept: 843-871-2463
- St. George Police Dept: 843-563-3643
- Harleyville Police Dept: 843-462-7676
- Ridgeville Police Dept: 843-873-4971
- North Charleston Police Dept: 843-740-2800
Berkeley County Contacts:
- Berkeley Co. DSS: 843-761-8044
- Berkeley Co. Sheriff’s Office: 843-719-4465
- Bonneau Police Department: 843-825-3385
- Goose Creek Police Dept: 843-863-5200 ext: 2314
- Hanahan Police Dept: 843-747-5711
- Jamestown Police Dept: 843-257-2095
- St. Stephen Police Dept: 843-567-3116