SCCADVASA

A reminder that Victim Service Providers (VSPs) can complete eLearning training for VSP credit on the SCCADVASA website!

➡️ Visit our eLearning for VSP Credit web page to learn more: https://www.sccadvasa.org/elearning-for-vsp-credit/

Building Hope. Inspiring Change. Together, we can build a safer South Carolina.

This Giving Tuesday, join SCCADVASA in advancing our mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault through advocacy, collaboration, and prevention education.

Your support helps strengthen advocates, expand access to resources, and inspire lasting change in communities across South Carolina.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 1, and be part of the change!

In the film Prima Facie, actress Cynthia Erivo portrays Tessa Ensler, a top London barrister experienced in defending men accused of sexual violence.

When Tessa is r**ed by a colleague, she faces the same courtroom tactics she once used herself, making clear how harshly the justice system can treat survivors.

➡️ Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2026/oct/27/cynthia-erivo-interview-prima-facie

Domestic violence exposure and emotional trauma account for nearly 10% of all accepted child welfare intakes statewide by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Children from birth to age 6 are the most affected.

Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems. They are also more likely to repeat the cycle as adults by entering abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves.

➡️ Hear more from SC Public Radio: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2026-10-09/domestic-violence-the-impact-on-south-carolinas-children

For survivors of domestic violence, voting can come with unique safety concerns as some abusers choose to use the voting process as another way to threaten or control a current or former partner.

Survivors deserve to vote safely without fearing further violence.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence(NNEDV)’s Safe Voting Tips for Survivors resource offers safety planning guidance for voting and protecting voter registration information: NNEDV.org/SafeVoting

Thirty-five years ago, former SCCADVASA Board Chair Beth Young sought help from a local domestic violence shelter to save herself and her two young daughters from the violence of her then husband.

She recently shared her powerful story of survival with SC Public Radio, encouraging others suffering abuse to reach out for support.

“Life is so good on the other side. I promise you,” she says.

If you are experiencing abuse, help is available. Visit sccadvasa.org/get-help to find 24/7 confidential support near you. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or chat online at thehotline.org.

➡️ Listen to Beth’s story: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/sc-news/2026-10-30/i-made-it-lowcountry-domestic-violence-survivor-shares-journey

Halloween can be a playful, creative time but a costume is never an invitation for unwanted advances or sexual harassment. This Halloween, let’s ghost groping and harassment and using a costume as an excuse.

Awareness brings light, but action creates real change. What can you do? Actively support policies that positively impact survivors and the organizations that serve them and be willing to participate in conversations with your families, neighbors, co-workers and faith community that foster safer communities. Together, we can help survivors find hope, healing, and safety.

SCCADVASA Executive Director Sara Barber recently spoke with SC Public Radio’s Kristina Thacker about the critical role of prevention in ending domestic and sexual violence, and the importance of having conversations with our kids about healthy relationships.

🎧 Listen now: https://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/show/narrative/2026-10-22/narrative-preventing-dating-abuse-and-violence-among-south-carolinas-youth