Stopping Domestic Violence

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “A piece of paper, nothing will keep you safe,” says Pat Williams, Victim’s Advocate for Bamberg County. Williams says she has seen her share of domestic violence. “In the nine years I’ve been there, I’ve had two victims that were murdered,” says Williams. She says the deaths are something she carries with her. “I live with them everyday, those two victims and I think it makes me strive to do my work better,” says Williams. Monday, she joined other members of law enforcement for a free seminar hosted by the state’s Attorney General’s Office called, “Domestic Violence and the Law.” “It really runs the gammet, some of these signs are very, very subtle,” says Susan Benash, registered nurse. Benash also attended Monday’s seminar. “We have to do our job of documenting this and then referring it appropriately so these victims can get the care they deserve,” says Benash. The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit or E.A.A. for short, has also become helpful. “It’s a very useful tool for law enforcement to be able to figure out what’s the history with this victim. Particularly, if that victim is not available to be interviewed, who are some potential suspects that we should be looking at,” says Kelly Hall, a prosecutor with the State’s Attorney General’s office. “They really require them to take a step back from the relationship that they’re in, they have to take a look at what’s going on, why am I fearful for my life? Why do I feel the need to create a life insurance policy after I’m dead,” says Hall. It’s a cycle those like Pat Williams are hoping to end. “It takes a team to stop this cycle of domestic violence,” says Williams.