Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence (DV) is a pattern of behaviors and tactics used to gain power and control over another person. DV occurs in all types of relationships, families, and various socio-economic backgrounds.
Types of Domestic Violence:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Psychological/emotional
- Verbal
- Financial
- Destruction of property and pets
If warning signs are happening in your relationship, even if your partner has not hit you (yet), this is abuse. Control, jealousy, and isolation are not love. Abusive behavior will not change — no matter how hard you try or how much you love them. This individual may seem like your dream come true, but soon, they will become your worst nightmare. You deserve better. You deserve to be safe and respected. And you deserve real love, not control.
Domestic Violence Information & Statistics
S.C. Domestic Violence Abuse Information
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized in October in the United States.
South Carolina has consistently had higher rates of female victims killed by male offenders than the national average.
"South Carolina was among the 10 states with the highest rates of females killed by males for 23 out of the past 25 years." - Violence Poverty Center (VPC)
According to the latest Violence Policy Center report, 51 females were murdered by males in 2023. While it's difficult to know if South Carolina still places among the top ten, we do know that South Carolina’s rate of females killed by males was 1.8 per 100,000. Representing a 23% increase over the national average of 1.4 per 100,000.
For those homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 95.8% of reported homicides (46 out of 48) were murdered by someone they knew. 60.9% of these victims were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT GROUPS
Safe Passage, Inc. hosts a weekly educational support group for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors. These groups are free of cost, and you do not have to be a client of Safe Passage, Inc. to participate in either group. Childcare may also be provided, as long as it is specified beforehand.