Perspective - Domestic Violence Awareness Month - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

October is domestic violence month, and unfortunately, women in South Carolina are more at risk than  in many other states. According to the Violence Policy Center data, our state ranks 7th in the nation for the number of women killed by men….up from #9 in the previous report.  This report reflects homicide data from 2009, the most recent statistics available.

WIS covered several crimes of domestic violence this year, many of which resulted in the murder of women, as well as their children and other family members.  Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults. If you are in a dangerous or abusive domestic relationship, there is help available. 

Sistercare is a program of services for battered women and their children residing in Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties.   Sistercare's services include emergency shelters, court advocacy, childrens' counseling, and transitional housing.  To reach Sistercare, call their office or crisis line numbers on your screen.

Don't tolerate domestic violence for one more day.  Get help for yourself or someone else before it's too late.

That's my perspective.  Let me hear from you.