Local Domestic Violence Numbers Up

(COLUMBIA S.C.) SisterCare is helping 9 thousand women a year and more than 5 hundred a month. A spike in numbers that last year alone forced them to turn away more than 2 hundred women in need due to a lack of space. With such high numbers Executive Director Nancy Barton admits the amount of women who are asking for help is up, but not everyone is leaving their situations resulting in more deaths. Why are they staying? Besides fear, Barton says a shaky economy is keeping some women from fleeing their abusers. Some unsure of how long they’ll be able to make it if they can’t find a job and support themselves. In addition to being a deterrent for leaving, Barton says financial hardships are also playing a role in the frequency of abuse. Many times creating stress factors that can make an already bad situation even worse. Barton says awareness, more resources, and a change in laws that hold the batterers accountable can help curb the upward trend. Her hope is that as Domestic Violence Month gets in gear victim’s know, it’s never to late to start over. On October 6th, The organization plans to hold a fundraiser to raise money to help support battered women and children. For ticket information log on to: Sistercare.com