April 16, 2024
The goal of this report is to consolidate and organize key insights from the community forum that took place on April 10, 2024, to address domestic violence in South Carolina.
Facilitated by the Palmetto Hope Network, the forum convened survivors, victim advocates, legal professionals, and various public and social service entities to address a spectrum of issues surrounding the state’s growing domestic violence problem.
South Carolina ranks sixth-worst in the nation for women killed by men, according to the annual 'When Men Murder Women' report published in September 2021. The latest data from the Violence Policy Center underscores the severity of the situation, with approximately two women killed for every 100,000 people in the state—a death rate more than twice the national average.
What Was Covered:
Topics of discussion included:
challenges of providing support for victims
hurdles and setbacks within the legal system
the exchange of resources to enhance collaboration among stakeholders
wraparound services
The forum was well attended by the media, with reporters from all major stations present. The group was predominantly women, with only two men present. Among the attendees were women working across nearly every intersection of the domestic violence issue, including survivors, victim advocates, legal professionals, representatives from the Department of Social Services, the 9th circuit Solicitor’s office, and community organizations that provide support services such as counseling, financial literacy, medical care, and housing.
Stories from Survivors:
The forum began with powerful stories from two domestic violence survivors, highlighting where they felt under-resourced and unsupported in the process of leaving their abusers. They shared the reality of living in temporary hotel housing with multiple children and no support network; the complexities of navigating the judicial system, and the lack of timely access to mental health and therapy resources.
After My Sister’s House closed its shelter in 2022, which serviced the entire tri-county, the Lowcountry is now the only region of South Carolina that does not have a facility to house victims. This has placed additional strain on the survivor support ecosystem. In response to the survivors' stories, panelists shared concerns over the growing number of victims, impacts on children that are placed in emergency protective custody without thorough assessments of nearby family members that could care for them, and the challenges survivors face when navigating the legal system. There was mutual agreement about the need for communication and sharing of resources to improve collaboration between the many organizations working to address this issue.
Building on the Positive:
The group was very clear about what they thought was not working within the system, but they also did a thorough review of what is working. There is a lot of inter-collaboration already happening between the various institutions and the group recognized the many individuals across sectors who are doing commendable work. One woman who had tragically lost her daughter to domestic violence shared her journey navigating the logistical and judicial challenges after her daughter's murder. She recounted being treated kindly throughout the process, commending the police for their handling of the situation, and expressing gratitude for the empathy shown to her during that process.
The group agreed that it was essential to acknowledge and praise the positives. However, they underscored the importance of transparency around the gaps and failures within the system in order to implement holistic solutions that address root causes and provide wrap-around care.
These women have witnessed this problem from all sides. Many of them have been doing this work for decades. They have seen the collateral damage caused by domestic violence and know firsthand the inadequacies of the system. Through their collective experience, these women have identified the root causes and potential solutions. However, they need institutional support to effectively and efficiently implement these solutions—and accountability from the state to initiate meaningful reform.
Community-Led Action:
But in the meantime, they’re not waiting. They’re resourcing with each other and building upon the positive wherever they can find it; creating a community-led safety net for these victims. Each person with her own reed, weaving a basket of wrap-around resources that can safely hold those affected by domestic violence.
By synthesizing the discussions and identifying key action items, this report aims to provide a clear roadmap for addressing systemic pitfalls, enhancing support systems for survivors, and fostering collaboration among public entities to effectively combat domestic violence in South Carolina.
Summary of Key Takeaways
1. Establish strong multidisciplinary teams by improving communication and collaboration among victim advocates, legal professionals, law enforcement, and support services to create a safety net for victims, fostering a network for efficient resource sharing and proactive support.
2. Establish a centralized resource hub or “Navigational Center,” inspired by the Family Justice Center module to serve as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for victims. This hub would connect individuals to a range of wrap-around services and support, including counseling, legal assistance, housing support, financial resources, and educational programs, provided by various agencies and organizations. By centralizing information and referrals, victims would have streamlined access to the support they need, reducing the burden of navigating multiple agencies and services.
Action Items & Areas of Focus for Task Forces
Identifying Support Groups for Victims & Families:
Update existing resource pages and directories – current list is 6 years old
Create a centralized resource hub (re: the Family Resource Center module) for easy access to support services.
Identify or create groups that provide ongoing support services for families of victims, including children of women who are killed. It's important to continue communicating with families after the loss to ensure ongoing support.
Include resources that a victim needs when they’re not yet ready to contact the police.
Promote awareness of existing programs including:
Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (Ralph H. Johnson VA hospital)
OriginSC's educational program
My Community’s Keeper Mentor Group for at-risk youth
Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (Veterans Health Administration)
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA)
MyPlan App - create a safety plan online
Berkeley Children’s Advocacy Center (in development)
2. Improve Awareness & Access to Therapy Resources:
Reduce wait times for therapy services (currently taking 2-6 months)
Increase the diversity of therapists by recruiting more female therapists and therapists of color. This ensures that victims have a choice to speak with someone who understands their life and cultural situation.
Utilize existing free therapy services offered through some of the local police departments (including North Charleston & Mt. Pleasant PD)
Veterans can access free individual + family counseling through the RISE Program and Strength At Home program.
3. Improve Communication Amongst Victim Advocates:
Encourage advocates to join and actively participate in three key groups:
Tri-County Victims Council: Advocates Group which meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 12PM at 3691 Leeds Ave., Charleston County Sheriff Office, Azalea Room.
Tri-County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC): meets quarterly via Zoom to share resources and coordinate efforts.
SCLEVA (South Carolina Law Enforcement Victim Advocate Association).
Advocates should build relationships with their local Solicitor’s Office to enhance communication and collaboration.
Utilize the updated resource database to strengthen communication networks among agencies, fostering better support for clients.
4. Clarify the Court Process for Victims:
Improve communication between government, law enforcement, advocates, and victims to make the legal process more proactive and accessible.
Identify or develop resources to simplify the court process for victims navigating civil court, family court, obtaining restraining orders, and attending order of protection hearings.
Establish a volunteer call line or helpline to provide guidance and support to victims during legal proceedings.
Utilize existing resources such as:
SC Legal Services: Provide training sessions, offer mock videos on their website to simulate court experiences, explain necessary documents and procedures, and provide transcripts of what to say in court.
Law Enforcement Victims Assistance (LEVA) Program: Assist survivors of crime and their families in understanding legal procedures and court hearings.
S.C. Department of Crime Victim Services: Provide guidance on navigating legal processes and accessing support services.
Encourage the documentation of conversations between victims and legal advocates to ensure clarity and provide reference points for future interactions.
Address scheduling challenges such as early morning bond hearings by:
Notifying victims in advance about hearing times and locations.
Ensuring officers communicate this information clearly and effectively to victims.
Exploring options to adjust scheduling to accommodate victims' needs whenever possible.
Recommend that the courts return to doing Order of Protections just ONE DAY A WEEK
5. Enhance Law Enforcement Trainings & Interactions with Victims:
Coordinate Training Sessions: Identify agencies interested in coordinating training sessions for law enforcement officers to improve their interaction with victims.
Send meeting requests to the training department, chief, sheriff, and victims advocate to arrange these sessions.
Establish Relationships Through Conversations: Organize sit-down meetings with law enforcement agencies to establish relationships and have open conversations.
Prioritize acknowledging positive actions by law enforcement to foster a receptive environment.
Recognize their efforts with initiatives like a Law Enforcement Award.
Informal Engagement Opportunities: Arrange informal gatherings like Coffee with Cops to meet law enforcement officers in a relaxed setting. Informal conversations can be effective in building rapport and understanding.
Emphasize Calm Interactions: Stress to victims the importance of staying calm during interactions with police officers. Even if the interaction turns negative, remaining calm is crucial. Encourage victims to report any misconduct.
Engage in Collaborative Efforts: Share best practices and processes with law enforcement agencies to enhance their understanding of victim needs.
Highlight instances where agencies have successfully collaborated, such as DSS's sit-down with North Charleston law enforcement.
Ensure Child Safety: Advocate for protocols requiring police to consult with family members before placing children in emergency protective custody.
Emphasize the need to document accurate information about children, including their ages.
Participate in Ride Alongs: Take advantage of ride-along opportunities offered by law enforcement departments. These experiences provide valuable insights and create opportunities to discuss concerns directly with officers.
6. Address the Lack of Domestic Violence Shelter:
Refurbish existing property into a Victim’s Shelter:
Advocate for the refurbishment of a building or hotel into a domestic violence shelter.
Explore the feasibility of housing a one-stop shop for victims in the refurbished facility, with services like counseling, legal assistance, and financial support.
Consider using ballrooms for community events and meetings, and potentially offering daycare services for residents.
Refer to successful models like the Family Justice Center proposal for guidance.
Investigate funding opportunities from the city and other sources to support the establishment and maintenance of the shelter.
Enhance Support and Resources in Temporary Hotel Housing:
Assess and improve the current model of housing victims in hotels.
Ensure access to transportation for essential services and appointments.
Offer childcare assistance for families staying in hotels.
Train hotel staff to recognize signs of domestic violence and provide appropriate support.
Establish partnerships with hotels to create a network of safe accommodations.
7. Enhance Prevention and Public Education Programs to Address Root Causes of Violence:
Mentorship Programs and In-school Education:
Identify mentorship programs for young men, focusing on positive masculinity, healthy relationships, and conflict resolution.
Boys to Men Mentor Group & Conference
List Additional mentorship programs*
Implement education on de-escalation tactics, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships in schools.
Offer youth leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Affordable Housing Programs:
Advocate for and support programs that provide affordable housing for survivors
Community Garden Projects:
Establish community gardens to promote community engagement, food security, and mental well-being
Host community events like harvest festivals to celebrate and connect gardening activities to discussions about empowerment and social change
Incorporate therapeutic elements for survivors, such as art therapy and mindfulness exercises
Green Heart Project
Community Workshops:
Organize workshops on domestic violence awareness, prevention, and resources
Provide training on recognizing signs of abuse and supporting survivors
Cultural Competency Training:
Provide training to service providers on cultural sensitivity and understanding diverse needs
Tailor programs and services to specific cultural communities
Social Media & PSA Campaigns:
Launch social media campaigns to raise awareness about domestic violence in South Carolina
Share survivor stories, resources, and information about available support services
Create PSAs for television, radio, and online platforms to educate the public and encourage reporting of domestic violence
Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations:
Collaborate with churches, mosques, temples, and other religious institutions to raise awareness and provide support
Integrate domestic violence education into religious teachings and community events
Engagement with Schools and Universities:
Partner with universities to integrate domestic violence education into the curriculum
Offer training sessions for teachers, counselors, and administrators on recognizing and addressing domestic violence among students
Provide resources and support for student-led initiatives and clubs focused on domestic violence awareness and prevention
Responsible Entities:
Government Agencies: Coordinate support groups, streamline therapy access, and improve communication channels.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Enhance training, facilitate positive victim interactions, and collaborate with advocates.
Legal Services: Develop resources for court processes and offer legal support.
Nonprofit Organizations: Provide support services, promote prevention, and facilitate ongoing support for survivors.
Community Leaders: Advocate for funding and support for initiatives addressing domestic violence.
Conclusion:
Addressing domestic violence in South Carolina requires a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, legal services, nonprofits, and community leaders. By implementing the identified action items and fostering effective communication and collaboration, South Carolina can make significant strides in supporting survivors and preventing future instances of domestic violence.
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