This October, the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) will be joining advocates, survivors, and supporters nationwide to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) with the goal of deepening community engagement to help end domestic violence.
This year’s campaign strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it affects #SomebodyYouKnow whether it be a family member, friend, colleague, or even you.
One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In South Carolina, almost 39,000 people experiencing domestic violence, including children, called a crisis line, sought shelter, or received support services in 2022. Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence.
In addition to raising awareness, SCCADVASA is launching a Spark the Change fundraising campaign to encourage individuals and businesses to get involved and help build a South Carolina free from domestic violence and sexual assault.
“In 2021, 57 people in our state were killed by someone they loved. That same year, almost 30,000 people reported a physical assault by an intimate partner to law enforcement. Behind those numbers are people’s lives,” said Sara Barber, Executive Director of SCCADVASA. “This October, we are asking you to think about how you might spark the change needed to help end domestic violence for somebody you know. Whether that’s by volunteering, donating, or learning how to respond to a friend experiencing violence, you can become part of the solution.”
Key DVAM campaign dates include:
• Weekly “Take Action Thursdays”: Learn how you can get involved to support domestic violence survivors and advocates by visiting www.sccadvasa.org/get-involved.
• Purple Thursday (10/19): Wear purple to show your support for survivors and your commitment to ending domestic violence.
• DVAM Day of Giving (10/26): Survivors, advocates, and programs urgently need support. You can #SparktheChange to end domestic violence. Learn more and contribute: www.sccadvasa.org/spark-the-change.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, free and confidential help is available 24/7 by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at TheHotline.org or 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).
About SCCADVASA:
The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) serves as the collective voice promoting the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault in South Carolina. Our vision is a South Carolina free from domestic violence and sexual assault. Our statewide coalition is made up of the 22 sexual assault and domestic violence direct service and advocacy programs in South Carolina and other allied organizations. Since 1981, SCCADVASA has been a leader in representing the critical needs of survivors and their families. Our dedicated staff advance our work through advocacy, education, and collaboration. To learn more about SCCADVASA and ways you can support survivors, visit our website at www.sccadvasa.org.