Author | Lightnews

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 4d

Halloween can be a playful time but it's important to remember that a costume is never an invitation for unwanted advances or sexual harassment. Consent is an active, ongoing agreement between all parties involved. No one should ever be touched or harassed, regardless of how they are dressed.

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 4d

Dating violence is more common than you may think. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the CDC, 8.2% of SC female high school students reported experiencing physical abuse from a dating partner in the 12 months before they were surveyed. Learn the warning signs: bit.ly/3Jw6eY7

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 6d

On Saturday, our team joined Columbia Mayor Rickenmann, SCCADVASA member organizations & community partners at the Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence. SCCADVASA Associate Director Shannon Nix spoke at the event which benefited Sistercare & raised awareness of the impact of domestic violence.

[ALT 1: SCCADVASA Associate Director, Shannon Nix, stands behind a podium and speaks to attendees at the annual City of Columbia Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence.

[ALT 2: SCCADVASA's Shannon Nix and Charity Collier smile and stand behind a table with a SCCADVASA tablecloth and resource information at the annual City of Columbia Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence.]

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 10d

Abusers may use tactics like coercion and intimidation to gain control and isolate victims from others. If you are concerned that someone you know is experiencing abuse, ask them how you can safely help.

➡ Find support for survivors in your community at sccadvasa.org/get-help.

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 12d

In FY 2024, over 19,000 survivors of domestic violence were served by our member organizations statewide. By supporting SCCADVASA you are helping to end intimate partner violence for somebody you know and build safer communities.
➡️ Learn more and #GiveForDV: sccadvasa.org/donate

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 19d

SCCADVASA Executive Director, Sara Barber, visited WIS Midday last week to speak about the types of domestic violence, why it is often hard for victims to leave abusive relationships, and the importance of educating ourselves about survivor support available in our communities. Watch: bit.ly/3KOWmcw

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 21d

When an abuser senses they are losing control, they will often retaliate in harmful ways. If you or a loved one are considering leaving an abusive relationship, help is available near you: sccadvasa.org/get-help

#DVAM #KnowWhatToSay #KnowWhatToDo

[ALT 1: A woman with short dark hair wears a plaid shirt and looks ahead with text that says, “Leaving can be the most dangerous time.” DVAM Know What to Say, Know What to Do and SCCADVASA logos]

[ALT 2: A woman with blond hair pulled back wears a white shirt stands outside while bending down to hug and kiss her daughter on the forehead with text that says, “Leaving can be the most dangerous time.” DVAM Know What to Say, Know What to Do and SCCADVASA logos]

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SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 27d

Victims and survivors often turn to their place of worship for guidance and support. It’s important that faith leaders can define domestic violence, know the signs, and are prepared to respond.

➡ Find resources for faith leaders: sccadvasa.org/faithcommunities

#DVAM #KnowWhatToSay #KnowWhatToDo

[ALT: A woman with long dark hair and an orange shirt sits in a pew holding her hands in prayer to her face with text that says, “Victims often turn to their faith communities for support. Know how to help.” DVAM Know What to Say, Know What to Do and SCCADVASA logos]

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · 28d

Domestic violence is often hidden from friends, family, and neighbors. It can feel sad and shocking to learn that someone you know is abusive. But survivors know their story better than anyone. Believe them the first time.

#DVAM #KnowWhatToSay #KnowWhatToDo

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Oct 3

Abusers use a variety of tactics to control and manipulate. Emotional, sexual, and financial abuse are all real forms of violence. Do you know the signs?

Learn more: nnedv.org/content/red-...

#DVAM #KnowWhatToSay #KnowWhatToDo

[ALT: A woman stands behind a man and rests her head on his shoulder while he stares ahead with text that says, “’But he didn’t hit you, did he?’ Domestic violence doesn’t always leave bruises. DVAM Know What to Say, Know What to Do and SCCADVASA logos]

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Oct 1

Domestic violence happens to our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It is all around us. If someone you know shared that they are experiencing abuse, would you know what to say or do?

➡️ Find help for survivors in your community: sccadvasa.org/get-help

#DVAM

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SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 26

A yes today doesn’t mean a yes tomorrow... even with a partner. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, help is available near you. Find resources and support by visiting sccadvasa.org/get-help for an interactive map of SCCADVASA member organizations.

#EndSexualViolence #SupportSurvivors

[image description: A young woman with dark hair pulled back holds a drink and looks away while a man with dark curly hair stands behind her and kisses her with text that says, "'Do you like it when I do that?' In every relationship, only yes means yes."]

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SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 25

If someone you know shared that they were experiencing abuse, would you know what to say or do? Next week, we’ll be launching our Domestic Violence Awareness Month (#DVAM) campaign focusing on how to respond & ways to safely provide support. Learn more & download the toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

[image description: A young woman with curly dark hair sits next to a man who has his arm around her shoulder and text that says, "If someone told you their partner is hurting them, would you know what to say?" SCCADVASA and DVAM logos]

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 22

Talking about sexual assault can be the first step toward healing. Break the silence by connecting with resources and support near you. Visit sccadvasa.org/get-help for an interactive map of SCCADVASA member organizations.

#EndSexualAssault #Prevention #SupportSurvivors

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 18

Most victims of domestic violence tell a friend or family member about the abuse before reporting it. This October, SCCADVASA's Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign will focus on what to say and do when someone shares they are experiencing violence. Get the #DVAM toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 15

Strangulation is one of the most serious forms of domestic abuse & is a significant predictor for future lethal violence. Injuries can quickly become fatal. Victims can also show no outward symptoms but die weeks later due to oxygen deprivation & internal injuries. Learn more: bit.ly/41SmEjN

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 11

Today, we remember the horrific events of 9/11. It is a painful day for those whose loved ones were taken too soon and a reminder that trauma can live on years after an event. If you find yourself struggling today, know that you are not alone.

#NeverForget

[image description: Photo of hands across the 9/11 memorial with text that says, "Not All Scars Can Be Seen. In Remembrance 9/11/2001"]

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SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 9

26% of female undergraduate students report experiencing sexual assault on campus with most assaults occurring during the period between mid-August & Thanksgiving Break. If you have experienced sexual violence, find help at sccadvasa.org/get-help or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). #YouAreNotAlone

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 4

Last week, #TeamSCCADVASA joined over 1500 survivors, advocates & community leaders at the National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC) to discuss ideas and hear different perspectives on building a future without sexual violence.
#NSAC2025

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 3

If a friend told you they were being abused, would you know what to say or do? Next month, we’ll launch our Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign focusing on how to respond when someone shares that they are experiencing abuse & ways to safely provide support. Get the toolkit: sccadvasa.org/dvam

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Sep 2

Victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk for developing depression, anxiety & PTSD & are more likely to attempt suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, know that you are not alone. Call or text 988 for free & confidential support 24/7 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Aug 28

Save the date for the 2025 City of Columbia Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence! Join us on Saturday, October 25th at Page Ellington Park to #StandWithSurvivors and raise awareness of the domestic violence occurring in our community.

➡️ Learn more and register: bit.ly/4lL1JpJ

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Aug 26

We’re excited to share that the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Safety Net has added two resources to their “Teens and Tech” Toolkit. Both feature conversation prompts for discussing technology risks with young people. Visit the toolkit: www.techsafety.org/survivor-too...

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Aug 20

Join us on 9/10 to discuss how to work through challenges that domestic violence survivors face when searching for safe & affordable housing. Victim advocates & housing experts will share tools & strategies to build partnerships to address homelessness among survivors. Register: bit.ly/47AolFZ

SCCADVASA @sccadvasa.bsky.social · Aug 19

SCCADVASA Associate Director Shannon Nix attended last week’s “Addressing the Complex Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors” conference. The event offered intensive training on providing trauma-informed care to survivors experiencing long COVID and/or substance abuse and mental health issues.

[ALT 1: SCCADVASA's Shannon Nix stands and smiles with speaker Gabriela Zapata-Alma in front of an NNEDV banner at the "Addressing the Complex Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors" conference.]

[ALT 2: Photo of the "Addressing the Complex Needs of Domestic Violence Survivors' conference manual]