Domestic Violence Survivors Weigh In on Problems in SC

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — The Governors Domestic Violence Task Force for Victim and Offender Services held a public input session Monday morning. Several domestic violence victims and advocates stood behind the podium Monday to express the issues they think the state needs to work on as they go forward. “From 2007 to 2010 I was in an abusive relationship, he was physically and mentally abusive,” said Jamie Banks. Now a domestic violence survivor, Banks is calling on the state to tackle the cycle of abuse head on. “Something’s got to change or South Carolina will top the list, number one, number two and that’s disappointing to me,” said Banks. Currently ranked 2nd in the nation for the number of women killed by men, Banks says the state needs to provide more resources for victims. “We made a means for the homeless during the winter months to get out, I would like to see more homes available for women that are like ‘I can drop things and I can get out right now,” said Banks. In a push to be proactive rather than reactive, Banks adds resources also need to be put into educating children about domestic violence. “A lot of young girls have self esteem issues and even our young boys and I think they need to start talking about the realities of domestic violence in the schools,” said Banks. Domestic violence advocate, Lynzee Perdaris says based on her research, there also needs to be better law enforcement training. “I think victims are in fear of calling the police because they’re not getting the results they need to feel protected,” said Perdaris. Meanwhile, Banks says she is happy South Carolina is working to fight the problem. “If we go down just one number at a time, we’re number 3 next year, then number 4 the next, then we’re doing something right,” she said. The task force will consider the public’s input as they put together new practices later this year.