I live in beautiful South
Carolina, famous for its ocean beaches, sparkling lakes, acres of forest, and
spectacular mountain vistas. But my state has one very ugly statistic—we rank first/worst
in the nation in violence against women by males. The offenders are
predominately spouses, boyfriends, ex-lovers, or other family members.
In 2011, 61 South
Carolina women were reportedly killed by men. According to the Violence Policy
Center, females in our state were murdered by males at a rate of 2.54 per
100,000—more than double the national average.
Of course, South
Carolina doesn’t have an exclusive franchise on such violence. This worldwide
problem includes sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and dating
violence. There are victims in every age group from sexually abused children to
battered elders. International efforts often use the term “gender based
violence.”
World-wide efforts have
begun to include men and boys in the campaign to end violence against women. In
my state, the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault, a coalition of 22 domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy
programs, is bringing educational programs into the state’s schools to teach
children of all ages about personal boundaries and conflict resolution without
violence. The intent is to change a male mindset that violence against women is
acceptable.
Of course, this
organization and others are also working to help victims. In Oconee County, SC,
a new Safe Harbor home has adopted a five-year outreach plan that encompasses
counseling, shelter care, post-shelter care, advocacy and education – all meant
to promote the mission of serving victims of domestic violence and their
children.
In addition to cash donations these organizations often welcome household
goods and supplies, and also clothing, ranging from diapers to career wear
appropriate for women to wear on job interviews.
What organizations are providing educational services and assistance to
victims in your home state? If you don’t know, please take the time to find
out.
8 comments:
Thanks for raising this difficult topic. People who respect one another's need for self-expression generally reject violence as a communication method. Perhaps we've forgotten that basic respect for others is not a legislative "right." Rather, showing respect is integral to life. All life. So much easier to criticize and abuse, though, isn't it? Best wishes for the Safe Harbor home. I hope that soon it is unneeded because the domestic violence has ended.
Wise words, Ashantay. The Safe Harbor house is much needed today. I hope the need decreases, but in the meantime I hope many people contribute.
The statistics you quoted are horrible. Glad your state is doing outreach to boys, males of all ages. The Safe House is definitely a worthy cause. Domestic Violence is a horrible thing.
Our local Sisters in Crime chapter had the director of a program combating domestic abuse as a guest speaker. She says it starts in junior high and high school with boys roughing up girlfriends--and the girls taking it!
Where I live there are several programs and DV shelters. Our chapter brings donations for a DV shelter in a smaller community outside of Portland.
Also the Portland Public Schools has a great program where high school students go into the elementary school and do presentations (skits, etc.) about bullying, solving problems by talking, etc.
At my granddaughters' elementary school, they had a "Peacekeeper" program where they taught students intervention techniques, etc. (and when to go get an adult). My youngest was awarded a Peacekeeper pencil (yep #2 with Peacekeeper printed on it) that was better than straight "A's" in my book.
So glad SC is being proactive!
Judith, sounds like a great program. I may see if our Sisters in Crime chapter wants to bring donations for the shelter in Greenville, SC. I know several of our members already donate.
We bring donations to the Holiday Party instead of doing a gift exchange. Sort of cool to take a trunk or van load of donations all at once! When I closed a part of my business, I went through and donated a bunch of office stuff, tucked in a ream of paper I think, added cards I'd got from organizations that wanted my donations - added money for stamps. It was so much easier giving these things away because I knew they were needed.
Interesting, and alarming, post, Linda. As horrible as the statistics are, really glad you brought it to the web's attention.
In Charlotte, one of the local women's shelters is self-supported by running a thrift store. Sometimes you can help stop the violence simply by donating your old clothing. I agree with Linda, if you don't know how you can help, find out.
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