SCCADVASA

The allegations of a gang r**e at Cornell University are horrific, but with an estimated 1 in 3 women experiencing r**e or sexual assault during their undergraduate years in college, this violence is devastatingly common.

While a recently filed lawsuit in relation to the incident alleges Jane Doe was drugged and sexually assaulted by seven fraternity members, a total of 57 young men were included in a group chat that evening where messages about the ongoing assault were shared. Those men had an opportunity to speak up, intervene, or seek help. Instead, the vast majority of them chose to do nothing to stop it.

The outrage about this incident must not be allowed to fade away and be forgotten until the next one reaches public attention. Women are sexually assaulted every day in every community including yours. What are you going to do to help drive change and create a safer world?

Thank you to everyone who visited SCCADVASA’s table last night as we launched Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) at First Thursday on Main! 💜

🎤 A special thank you to WIS TV for stopping by to shine a light on this meaningful month and highlight how individuals can help light the way for survivors.

We appreciate each person who made a donation, picked up a Porch Lights luminary kit, or just popped by to say hello and learn more about the work we do.

Together, we can help LIGHT the way for survivors.

✨ Learn more about Porch Lights and how you can help light South Carolina purple on October 8th: sccadvasa.org/porch-lights

The day is here! 💜

Join us tonight at Columbia’s First Thursday on Main from 6-9 PM as our team officially launches Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)! Visit our booth to make a $25 donation to support our work and pick up a luminary kit (while supplies last) to join individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods across South Carolina in shining a light for survivors during Porch Lights on Thursday, October 8!

✨ Learn more about Porch Lights: sccadvasa.org/porch-lights

✨ Download the DVAM toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) starts tomorrow!

✨ Here’s how YOU can be a light for survivors this October:

💜 Join SCCADVASA tomorrow evening (10/1) from 6-9 PM at Columbia’s First Thursday on Main as we officially launch DVAM!

💜 Make a $25 donation, pick up a luminary kit from our team's table or a participating partner location (while supplies last), and shine a light for survivors during SCCADVASA's Porch Lights on Thursday, October 8!

💜 Download the DVAM toolkit and share our social media posts to help raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and how we can all support survivors.

💜 Keep the conversation going after DVAM ends. We all have a role in creating safer communities.

➡️ Download the DVAM toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

➡️ Learn more about Porch Lights: sccadvasa.org/porch-lights

A report published this month by the Violence Policy Center (VPC) analyzing 2024 homicide data underscores South Carolina’s history of deadly violence against women with the state’s rate of female victims killed by males continuing to outrank the national average.

Key findings include:
-- In 2024, the state's rate of females killed by males was almost twice the national average of 1.4. That year, 62 South Carolina women were killed by men.
-- Over 96 percent of female victims in South Carolina knew the men who killed them. Nearly 76 percent of female victims killed by males were killed with a fi***rm exceeding the already high national average of 65 percent.
-- In South Carolina, although they comprise only 26.6 percent of the state’s female population, Black women represented 39.3 percent of female homicide victims killed by males. Nationally, Black females were murdered by males at a rate more than twice as high as white females.

SCCADVASA has released a statement responding to the report which illustrates the incredible amount of work still needed to end violence in our communities.

➡️ Read SCCADVASA’s statement:https://www.sccadvasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RELEASE-SCCADVASA-2026-VPC-Report-Statement.pdf

➡️ View the South Carolina VPC report:https://vpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/WMMW-SC.pdf

No matter how long ago you experienced sexual assault, it is never too late to reach out for support. Talking about it can be the first step towards healing.

➡️ Find confidential 24/7 help near you: sccadvasa.org/get-help

A reminder that abuse is never a victim's fault. Abusers are always in control of the choices they make to hurt and control a partner.

Find free and confidential 24/7 survivor support near you by visiting SCCADVASA’s online interactive map: sccadvasa.org/get-help

✨ A single light can help guide a survivor through darkness.

In just one week, we’ll launch Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and SCCADVASA’s annual Porch Lights campaign at Columbia’s First Thursday on Main on October 1.

Visit our table to make a donation supporting SCCADVASA’s work and pick up a Porch Lights luminary kit (while supplies last) to light the way for survivors on October 8.

Together, we can be the light to create pathways of safety, healing, and hope for survivors. 💜

➡️ Learn more about Porch Lights: sccadvasa.org/porch-lights

➡️ Download the DVAM toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

Sexual violence can happen anywhere, but college campuses present unique dynamics that can increase risk. Most assaults occur during the period between mid-August and Thanksgiving Break with the rates rising each year a student attends college.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, help is available. Find support near you at sccadvasa.org/get-help or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

➡️ Learn safety planning guidance for students: https://www.womenslaw.org/safety-planning/safety-school