Archive for July, 2010

by Julie Meredith, Director of Volunteers & Communication, Safe Harbor

Faith communities and churches provide a social network for individuals and families, comfort for the grieving, hope for those who are depressed, redemption for sinners, and care for the sick.  When a church member is diagnosed with cancer, he/she is upheld in the prayers of the congregation and supported with encouraging cards.  When a family in the church loses a loved one, church members bring meals and send flowers.  In many churches, support groups and counseling are available for people who are dealing with addictions, grief, divorce, or other concerns.

But, what kind of support does a person receive from her congregation when she reveals that she is being abused by her spouse or partner?  After working at Safe Harbor for the past two years, I honestly cannot answer this question.  It is difficult to know what a victim of domestic violence might experience when she turns to her congregation for help.  I have learned that the kind of support that a victim receives tends to vary from congregation to congregation.  Congregational support for victims depends on the congregation’s leadership, its membership, its theology and beliefs, and its understanding of domestic violence.

Here are the stories of two victims: Read the rest of this entry »

The Bird & Baby Theatre Company Partners with Safe Harbor to Raise Awareness about Domestic Violence

This August, The Bird & Baby Theatre Company of Greer is producing The Few Lilies Project, a benefit for Safe Harbor. The Few Lilies Project exists to promote awareness of the issue of domestic violence and raise money for Safe Harbor. Through the theatre production and the accompanying art exhibit, the audience will be confronted with the issue in a unique way, and will be provided with the opportunity to contribute additional funds, above the initial ticket price, directly to Safe Harbor.

The theatre production consists of Arlene Hutton’s I Dream Before I Take the Stand, and a series of monologues written by local playwright Anne Pecaro.  Anne interviewed survivors of domestic violence, turning their stories into monologues. Read the rest of this entry »

“Domestic violence speaks many languages, has many colors and lives in many different communities.”
- Sandra Pupatello

Welcome to our blog!  Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and other services for victims of domestic violence and their children in the upstate of South Carolina.  We also offer outreach and education concerning the issue of domestic violence throughout the four-county area that we serve – Greenville, Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. 

Safe Harbor is excited to have the opportunity to use this blog to expand our outreach services to victims and to further educate our community about Safe Harbor’s mission and services.  We will use this blog to discuss the issue of family violence and related topics, to share news about Safe Harbor programs and upcoming events, and to share stories of hope and inspiration.  Read the rest of this entry »