The Community Domestic Violence Coordinating Council is a collaborative initiative between the public and private sector whose purpose is to (1) increase awareness and understanding of domestic violence and its consequences; (2) reduce the incidence of domestic violence in Greenville and Pickens County, and; (3) enhance and ensure the safety of survivors of domestic violence and their children.
The Council includes representatives from the 13th Circuit Solicitors Office, local magistrates courts, family courts, law enforcement (including Greenville PD, Greenville Sheriffs Office, Pickens Sheriffs Office, Greer PD, Pickens PD, Clemson PD, Fountain Inn PD, Easley PD, Travelers Rest PD, Mauldin PD, Simpsonville PD, Liberty PD), DSS (Greenville County and Pickens County), Office of Probation, Pardon, and Parole, batterer intervention programs/services (including Compass of Carolina, ADDCare Counseling), nonprofit victim programs/services (including Safe Harbor, Compass of Carolina, Julie Valentine Center, ADDCare Counseling, Solid Foundation, Domestic Violence Assistance Network, SCCADVASA, SCVAN, SC Legal Services), healthcare (Prisma, Bon Secours), substance use disorder programs (Phoenix Center), education (First Steps, Bob Jones University, Greenville Tech, USC Upstate, Furman University), clergy, survivors of domestic violence, and concerned cititzens.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Did you know:
- Domestic violence involves one person in an intimate partner relationship using tactics to gain and maintain power and control over their partner or spouse.
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1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men report experiencing physical abuse from an intimate partner.
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South Carolina has ranked in the top 10 states for men murdering women for 23 of the past 25 years.
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Domestic violence is not a one-time incident. It is a pattern of abusive behaviors that typically occurs in a cycle and escalates over time.
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Beyond physical abuse, other forms of domestic violence include emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse. Partners/spouses who are abusive can even use technology, faith/spiritual beliefs, children, or family members/friends to manipulate, coerce or control their partner/spouse.
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While domestic violence impacts individuals and families in every community, victims who experience discrimination or marginalization due to their race, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, sexual identity, disability or other identifying factors often face additional obstacles to finding help and staying safe.
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Leaving an abusive relationship is complex and often the most dangerous time for a victim. A victim may struggle to exit an abusive relationship due to: beliefs that their partner/spouse will change (due to cycle of abuse); low self-esteem/self worth; lack of access to money; isolation from social supports/resources; obligation to keep family together due to societal norms, expectations or religious beliefs; fear of what might happen if they leave due to threats from abusive partner; and other barriers.
During October, the 13th Circuit Domestic Violence Coordinating Council invites community members to participate in the following events:
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College and Candy Event on October 24 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at University Center Greenville (225 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Greenville, SC). Children and families are invited to attend the College and Candy event, dress up in costumes, and bring their candy buckets! Community Partners from the 13th Circuit Domestic Violence Coordinating Council will have a resource table at this event with information about local resources for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, as well as opportunities to raise awareness and get involved.
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Candlelight Silent Vigil on October 26 at 6:00pm at the Greenville County Courthouse (305 E. North St. Greenville, SC). Community members are invited to attend this candlelight vigil in front of the Greenville County Courthouse to honor the experiences of survivors and remember lives lost to domestic violence.
To learn more about these events or to get involved in the work of the Community Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, visit https://www.greenvillecounty.org/solicitor/CDVCC.asp.
