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Stop Violence Against Women
 

S.T.O.P Violence Against Women


Charlie CondonA Message from Attorney General Charlie Condon:

"When family quarrels erupt into domestic violence, they are no longer private and personal. They become the concern of the entire community. Assaulting a family member is no less a crime than assaulting a stranger. My office will make certain that domestic violence is prosecuted vigorously throughout the State of South Carolina."


Violence Against Women Act

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which was passed in 1994, marked a significant movement in response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This Act requires a collaborative effort in developing a system of response to these crimes between law enforcement, prosecutors, health care providers, and nonprofit groups. Through the Federal Government's pledge of significant funds to improve the present system's response to victims of these crimes, each state can become more efficient in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of all women.

--National Institute of Justice

South Carolina's Response

Under the Violence Against Women Act, The South Carolina Attorney General's Office has received a grant from the Department of Justice to develop state-of-the-art law enforcement protocols and aggressive prosecution procedures for criminal domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and stalking crimes. At his October, 1996 Domestic Violence Press Conference, Attorney General Condon emphasized that "providing safety for the victim and accountability for the perpetrator must be the priority of every prosecutor and law enforcement officer in this state." Under this Violence Against Women grant, the development of such procedures will result in the creation of South Carolina's first comprehensive, collaborative approach to combating these crimes.

Domestic Violence

  • Every 15 seconds a woman is beaten.

  • Domestic violence is the single largest cause of injury in the U.S.

  • 50% of all women are abused in their lifetime.

  • Approximately 4000 women die annually due to domestic violence.

  • Domestic violence knows no boundaries; women of all ages, races, and income levels are victims.

Sexual Assault

  • Statistics show that one out of every three women will be raped in her lifetime.

  • It is a common myth that most women are raped by strangers.

  • Sexual assault includes touching or fondling without consent.

  • According to a study by the National Victim Center and the Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, 3.8 million adult women have suffered from Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of being raped.

Stalking

  • Stalking was recognized as a separate crime for the first time in 1990.

  • Best available statistics show that the highest number of stalking victims are women who were in abusive relationships.

  • Best available statistics show that stalkers tend to have psychological and /or personality disorders.

  • Best available statistics show that 1 out of 20 adults will be stalked in his or her lifetime.

South Carolina Crime

During the early 1990's, South Carolina was found to have one of the highest crime rates among the 50 states. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has reported that since 1975, the trend of violent crime in the state has steadily increased.


Rate per 10,000
Source: SLED

SLED has also reported that violence between spouses was the most common form of intra-family violent victimization.

Elements of a Safety Plan for Victims

  • Make a mental list of all safe escape routes in your home or apartment building.

  • Decide upon a safe place to go such as the home of a relative or friend. If none is available, contact the nearest domestic violence program and obtain information about possible shelters in the area.

  • Have a survival bag ready and conceal it either in your home or friend's home. This bag should include money/checks, credit cards, a change of clothes, keys, passports, address book, medication and legal documents including separation agreements and Orders of Protection.

  • If possible, start your own individual savings account. Be sure that the statements are mailed to a trusted relative or friend.

  • Refrain from arguing with the abuser in areas that may hold potential weapons lying about.

  • Have all safety hotline numbers within your immediate reach.

  • Study your Safety Plan often.
--US Department of Justice


Safety Hotline Numbers

South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
(SCCADVASA)
(803) 750-1222

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
1-800-787-3224

Office of the Attorney General
Violence Against Women Program
Kelly Cordell, Director
Post Office Box 11549
Columbia, SC 29211

(803)734-7135
FAX: (803)734-6679

SC Sex Offenders Registry Online

 

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