Agencies Want to Break the Cycle of Violence

Domestic violence is an issue that affects people of all ages, ethnicities, religions, educational backgrounds and income levels. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four women and one in thirteen men has experienced abuse from an intimate partner. 

 On September 19, 2012, the Violence Policy Center released data showing that South Carolina is ranked #2 in the nation for domestic violence homicides - http://www.vpc.org/press/1209wmmw.htm.  

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  During this month, a group of organizations and agencies throughout the Upstate are teaming together to host a joint press conference on October 1 and month-long social media campaign to raise awareness regarding the issue of family violence and to encourage individuals, families, businesses, faith communities, organizations and groups to join in the effort to “break the cycle” of violence, insuring peace and safety within relationships and homes throughout the Upstate of South Carolina.  Together, we believe that we can make the Upstate of South Carolina a safer place for children, women and men. 

During the month of October, our agencies will collaboratively promote the following steps towards prevention of violence in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Five Community Steps towards Prevention of Relationship Violence:

1.     Modeling healthy relationship behaviors at home.

Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next. Children who grow up in homes that are free from physical, sexual, and emotional violence are significantly less likely to perpetrate violence or to become victims of violence in their adolescent and adult intimate partner relationships.

2.     Promoting education and awareness of healthy relationship behaviors

Currently, one out of three teenagers will experience dating violence, and two-thirds of them will not report the abuse to anyone. To end relationship violence, teens and adults must learn the basic characteristics of a healthy relationship, such as respect, trust, and honest communication while also being aware of the warning signs of relationship abuse.

3.     Providing opportunities for building self-esteem, independence and empowerment

Low self-esteem and dependency are common risk factors that contribute to abuse in relationships. Individuals who feel confident in themselves and their skills will feel empowered to gain and maintain lifelong stability and independence, thus avoiding unhealthy relationships that result in power, intimidation and control.

4.     Involving men in the movement for healthy relationships and supporting healthy masculinity

Our goal is to involve all people, including men and boys, in an effort devoted to creating a future without violence. Involving men in the effort to end relationship abuse and supporting a healthy understanding of masculinity means supporting communities that are free from harassment and domestic violence and lives that are better for women, children, and men.

5.       Offering concrete intervention, resources and support for victims

Domestic violence is not simply a personal or family issue; it is a community issue. Community members must feel empowered to safely intervene when witnessing violence by contacting local law enforcement and referring victims of abuse to safe and confidential resources for emergency shelter, counseling, case management, legal advocacy, and education.  Building community awareness of the United Way’s 211 program, Mental Health America’s crisis line, Safe Harbor’s crisis line, and other emergency resources is essential in order to connect individuals and families with the services they need.

We believe that violence is a community issue that can be alleviated and prevented through the collaborative efforts of the entire community.  

On Monday, October 1 at 10:00am at Clemson at the Falls (55 Camperdown Way Greenville, SC), our agencies will host a press conference to release these preventative steps and to stand together as we begin a month-long collaborative awareness and prevention campaign through social media platforms and joint messaging. 

Congressman Trey Gowdy and other community leaders will speak at the press conference. We invite members of the press and all community members to join us at 10:00am on October 1. Together, we will urge our community to stand together in our efforts to raise awareness and take steps towards violence prevention during October and throughout the year.

Signed, 

Safe Harbor

Compass of Carolina

MARYS House

YWCA of Greenville

Greenville First Steps

Little Steps

A Child’s Haven

Pendleton Place

The Julie Valentine Center

Foothills Alliance

The Junior League of Greenville

Defenders for Children

Think2xTwice.org

Tell Them

Domestic Violence Assistance

The Hispanic Alliance

South Carolina Victim Assistance Network

Mental Health America

Upstate Fatherhood Coalition

United Way of Greenville County

United Way of Pickens County

United Way of Oconee County

The Domestic Violence Council

O.P.E.R.A./Centro De Familia

Long Branch Baptist Church

Family, You Can’t Beat Them

Greenville County Schools

Pickens County School District

Oconee County School District

Anderson School District 1

Anderson School District 4

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office

Greenville City Police Department

Travelers Rest Police Department

Anderson County Law Enforcement

Oconee County Law Enforcement

Pickens County Sheriff’s Office

Clemson City Police Department

Solicitor’s Office, 10^th Judicial Circuit

Solicitor’s Office, 13^th Judicial Circuit