STEVE STEINER
Managing editor
Sexual assault survivors were joined by several advocacy groups, and government and law enforcement agencies on April 18. The event was “Take Back the Night,” and was held at the Colleton County Courthouse.
The event coincided with Sexual Assault Awareness Month and was organized by Rose Ewing. She is community educator with Hopeful Horizons, which is a children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape-crisis center.
“Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted,” said Ewing. She provided additional information to include that 75% of sexual assaults are not reported to law enforcement. “Our goal is to end abuse through primary prevention, education, and awareness. That is why we’re here this evening.”
A keynote speaker was 14th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Isaac McDuffie “Duffie” Stone III, who summarized the purpose of the event.
“This is about empowering survivors and encouraging victims to reclaim control of their own lives and emotions,” Stone said.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Jennifer Talley of the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center added to Stone’s address. Talley oversees the 14th Circuit SAFE Program, which provides specialized medical examinations following a sexual assault.
“When you leave here tonight, not only do I want you to feel empowered. It is my goal to give back the control that was lost at the hands of the offender,” she said. “It is my goal to help you regain your voice, to give back the autonomy of your body, and the power to stand up against those who sought to destroy you.”
HAVE YOU SUFFERED DOMESTIC ABUSE?
If you have suffered domestic abuse, have been sexually assaulted, or know someone who has, call the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center’s 24-hour hotline at 843-790-6220. You can also email the center at vsc@scsolicitor14.org or visit the center’s website at https://scsolicitor14.org/victim-services-center/
(Portions of this article provided by Hopeful Horizons and the 14th Circuit Court)
