On average, it takes a survivor seven attempts before permanently leaving an abusive relationship. It’s not as easy as just walking away. Learn more from the National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotline.org/support-others/why-people-stay-in-an-abusive-relationship/

#SupportSurvivors

[image description: teal graphic with text - "In one week! Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Download the toolkit: sccadvas.org/SAAM" #SAAM2026 #Consent SCCADVASA logo]

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#SAAM2026) is just one week away! This year's SAAM campaign focuses on consent as the foundation for healthy relationships and the prevention of sexual violence.

➡️ Learn more and download the social media kit: sccadvasa.org/saam

#EndSexualViolence #Consent

[image description: purple graphic with text "I know this is hard to talk about. I believe you." SCCADDVASA logo]

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 they tell you something is wrong.

#SupportSurvivors #EndDomesticViolence

[ALT 1: Teal graphic with text “Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Download the toolkit: sccadvasa.org/SAAM” #SAAM2026 #Consent SCCADVASA logo]

[ALT 2: A young woman with long brown hair smiles and looks over her shoulder as a man with dark hair pulled back kisses her on the forehead with text “Healthy relationships begin with consent.” #SAAM2026 SCCADVASA logo]

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is less than a month away! This year's campaign focuses on consent as the foundation of healthy relationships and preventing sexual violence.

➡️ Learn more about #SAAM2026 and download the social media kit: sccadvasa.org/saam

#EndSexualViolence #Consent

[image description: orange and gray graphic with Safety Net logo, Tech Chat Chronically Online Part 1 promotional image and text "New Teens and Tech Toolkit Resource: Chronically Online"]

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has launched “Chronically Online,” a Tech Chat series to support trusted adults working with youth who may be impacted by dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. View the resource: www.techsafety.org/teens-and-te... #TDVAM

[image description: purple graphic with dialogue box featuring text "You've been missing a lot of work. Is everything okay?" SCCADVASA logo]

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.

[image description: orange graphic with text "February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month - #RealLoveRespects - loveisrespect.org #tdvam2026]

Each February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (#TDVAM) brings attention to teen dating violence to stop dating abuse before it starts. This year’s theme #RealLoveRespects focuses on what healthy relationships look like & that respect is not negotiable. Learn more: www.loveisrespect.org/tdvam/

[image description: blue background with text "Stalking - Know It. Name It. Stop It" and the words "Cute, Romantic, Flattering, Sweet, Funny, Chivalrous, No big deal, Harmless, Unrequited Love" crossed out]

Too often, stalking is normalized and even romanticized instead of being seen for the criminal, traumatic, and dangerous behavior that it truly is. The misrepresentation of this dangerous crime can make it harder for victims and survivors to recognize stalking and ask for support. #NSAM2026

[image description: Graphic listing "Common Tactics Experienced by Stalking Victims including being followed, watched or spied on, receiving unwanted social media messages, calls, emails, text messages, or voicemails, approaching victim or showing up unannounced, and tracking using social media]

In pop culture, stalkers are shown as shadowy strangers, obsessed fans, or mysterious secret admirers. In reality, most stalkers are people the victim knows – often intimate partners & acquaintances using multiple tactics to watch, contact, threaten, sabotage, and terrify their victims. #NSAM2026

[image description: Two women smile while looking at a laptop computer with text that says, "Basic Training for Victim Service Providers - Registration Open!" SCCADVASA logo]

Registration is open for the first 2026 session of SCCADVASA's Basic Training for Victim Service Providers (VSP)! Participants must have their VSP number to register for this training.

➡️ Learn more and register: www.sccadvasa.org/basic-traini...

[image description: image of a man watching a group of young women around a corner with text "Stalking increases the risk of intimate partner homicide by 3X." SCCADVASA logo]

Stalking is a prevalent, dangerous, and frequently misunderstood crime. Stalkers are rarely strangers lurking in dark alleyways. 40% of victims are stalked by current or former intimate partners. Learn how to identify stalking behaviors: www.stalkingawareness.org/stalking-beh...

[image description: A young woman looks at her phone with text that says, "Sexual violence can happen to anyone. Find local help: sccadvasa.org" SCCADVASA logo]

It’s a myth that perpetrators of sexual assault are strangers. Most rapes are committed by someone the victim knows -- a friend, neighbor, classmate, dating partner or ex-dating partner. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, help is available. Visit sccadvasa.org/get-help to find support near you.

[image description: blue background with text "Be the Light - Help shine the light for survivors and their families in the new year." SCCADVASA logo]

✨ As the year ends, you can still Be the Light. Your gift supports statewide prevention, education & advocacy & strengthens the work of a network of organizations dedicated to helping survivors. Give before midnight on December 31 & help us shine the light in the new year: sccadvasa.org/donate

[image description: pink and purple graphic with Holiday Travel Checklist: Give your itinerary to a trusted friend or family member, including where you will stay. When traveling to a new area, become familiar with the resources available, such as shelters and coalitions. Make time for self-care while on the road, even if it is just a quick meditation. Place a stash of money in a secure place for yourself. Consider saving enough to cover cab fare and hotel accommodations.]

Survivors may not always feel safe spending time in a small space, like a car or plane, with someone who hurts them. Today, we share tips from the National Domestic Violence Hotline to help survivors traveling with an abuser this holiday season. Learn more: www.thehotline.org/resources/sa...

[image description: blue background with text that says, "Be the Light for Survivors - GivingTuesday - December 2" SCCADVASA logo]

✨ This #GivingTuesday, be the light that helps survivors and their families find safety, hope, and healing. Your support strengthens SCCADVASA’s work to end domestic violence and sexual assault in SC through advocacy, collaboration, and prevention education. GIVE NOW: sccadvasa.org/donate

[image description: photo of a woman sitting at a table with others and text that says, "Holiday Safety Planning for Survivors" SCCADVASA logo]

The holidays can be a dangerous time for victims experiencing domestic abuse as the stress of the season can contribute to increased violence during this time. Learn holiday safety planning tips for survivors: www.thehotline.org/resources/sa...

[image description: Background photo of SC State House with text "SC 2026 Legislative Policy Priorities & Strategies for Change - Friday, January 16 - 10:30-11:30 am - Presenter Sara Barber, Executive Director, SCCADVASA" - Photo of Sara Barber and SCKnowMore logo are also shown]

Join us on 1/16 as SCCADVASA Exec. Dir. Sara Barber provides an overview of the legislative process, identifies bills in the SC Statehouse & U.S. Congress which could impact survivors & explores advocacy actions that citizens can take to help build legislative support. Register: bit.ly/4qVzUyO

[image description: Background photo of a woman's hands on a laptop and text that says, "Rape Crisis Services Experience Survey - For Sexual Assault Survivors & Their Supporters - Your confidential responses will directly inform how we can improve the support available for survivors of sexual violence and consistently provide relevant services across the state. - Survey closes today, November 12!"

It’s the last day to complete SCCADVASA’s survey gathering feedback on the experiences of survivors and supporters of survivors at SC Rape Crisis Centers. Your responses will directly inform how we can improve the support available for survivors of sexual violence. Take the survey: bit.ly/47tR8um

[image description: purple and pink graphic with text that says, "1 in 3 women experience stalking in their lifetimes" SCCADVASA logo]

Stalkers use many tactics to surveil & contact their victims. Behaviors can escalate from indirect contact (calls or texts) to more direct contact (delivering gifts or showing up where the victim is). Stalking isn’t about love. It’s about control. Don’t confuse the signs of stalking for romance.

SCCADVASA is excited to share the news of a partnership with South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV)! The initiative, called South Carolina Speaks: Focus on Domestic Violence, will feature programming exploring the impact of domestic violence & survivor resources. Learn more: bit.ly/3Lr3Brl

[image description: A man carries a woman on his back as they embrace and smile with text that says, "Do you like it when I do that? In every relationship, only yes means yes." SCCADVASA logo]

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.

[image description: teal background with a spider web graphic and text that says, "Halloween costumes do not equal consent." SCCADVASA logo]

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.

[image description: photo of a young couple embracing with text that says, "Controlling behaviors can sometimes look like love." - April Zeoli, Professor - University of Michigan School of Public Health - SCCADVASA logo]

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

[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.]

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.

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.

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

[image description: purple background graphic with photo of Sara Barber in the WIS studio speaking with Jamal Goss and text that says, "It may start as a very small thing that feels romantic but soon you will find that you are being isolated from your friends and family. - Sara Barber, SCCADVASA Executive Director" SCCADVASA logo]

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

[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]

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: 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]

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

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