5th Annual Victims Matter Rally aims to strengthen laws around violent crimes

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Thursday’s 5th Annual Victims Matter Rally raised awareness around barriers faced by survivors of violent crimes.

Two of the largest victim advocacy organizations in the state came together for the event — the SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, both leading the charge to strengthen laws and empower survivors.

Evelyn Mitchell spoke at the rally, saying she and a friend were kidnapped and raped by multiple men at a young age.

Mitchell says a sergeant with the Sex Crimes Unit later told her that their rape kits had been destroyed two years after they were taken.

The suspects were never found.

“My thought was, ‘What would I do if this was one of my daughters telling me this had happened?’ I knew the answer. I would tell them this is absolutely not acceptable and we have to make change,” says Mitchell.

In 2019, she reached out to Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, who in turn wrote and sponsored the Sexual Assault Tracking bill.

It was signed into law in 2020 — giving victims and prosecutors a way to see when a rape kit is entered, and follow its path to being tested.

“Just know that help is out there. Just know that it was not your fault; that you didn’t do anything to bring this on you. And it’s important to acknowledge that, because depending on the kind of crime it is, a lot of times victims are blamed for the behavior and actions of others,” says Cobb-Hunter.

Advocates say reach out for help — the organizations will reach back. And if you’re able, use your story to help others.

“It’s never easy, I’ll always get choked up. But it’s worth it,” Mitchell says, adding, “I feel like I almost have an obligation to other survivors, to help them, take the time, find your voice, find your people, and keep working through it. Because I do know, you may not ever find justice in the justice system, but there are so many resources out there.”

After the press conference, leaders and survivors met with lawmakers to push for stronger laws against dating violence and what’s known as coercive control — intimidation tactics used by partners which include humiliation, stalking, and threats.

Cobb-Hunter says men have a role in this fight as well.

“Especially when it comes to educating other men. Especially fathers educating their sons about how you treat women — how you treat people quite frankly,” says Cobb-Hunter.

And she reiterates that men are also victimized — with statistics showing one out of 10 rape victims are male.

For more information on the  SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, click here.

For more information on the SC Victim Assistance Network, click here.

For local news, click here.