Stand Up Carolina confronts violence
Student Health Services’ (SHS) Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention and Prevention (SA/VIP) department continued its efforts to confront domestic violence this month through a public launch on Davis Field Thursday.
Spirits were high, but the message remained serious as Carolina cheerleaders and Cocky assisted SA/VIP representatives in passing out cotton candy and popcorn along with information on interpersonal violence resources, shocking statistics on domestic violence in South Carolina and preventative tips. The event was part of SA/VIP’s “Stand Up Carolina” initiative in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month, which, according to SHS personnel, is the department’s largest initiative of the year.
“We’re being very aggressive with this campaign,” SA/VIP Assistant Director Stephanie Hinton said as she passed out Stand Up Carolina T-shirts in exchange for pledges to be accountable bystanders. “We’re hoping to reach everyone ... and we want college students especially to be involved in this; the student voice is louder than ours alone.”
Students gathered around Hinton as she spoke on the uncomfortable prevalence of domestic violence in South Carolina, currently ranked No. 7 in the nation for the number of women killed by men due to domestic violence. For third-year social work student Samuel Holmes, the reality of sexual violence in Columbia came as a shock.
“I didn’t know sexual assault on campus was so high,” Holmes said after learning that 20 assaults have been reported on campus since August. “Even though I’m a guy, I have female friends who I would never want to see hurt. I’m definitely going to be more alert for them.”
Hinton also stressed practical ways to prevent violence: keep trustworthy company at night, speak out when a situation seems unsafe, know emergency contacts and refrain from excessive drinking. According to SHS, half of all sexual assaults involve alcohol.
The message hit close to home for third-year English student Shelley Laughter. Growing up in an abusive household with an alcoholic stepfather, She said she’s learned the importance of speaking out and finding support.
“Word of mouth is the biggest step in prevention,” Laughter said. “I know from experience that friends are the best support system for students who suffer from it. Students can do so much more than they think — they just have to stand up for themselves and for their friends.”
Stand Up Carolina will continue with self-defense classes every Friday at the Blatt Physical Education Center, a white ribbon campaign to symbolize men’s opposition to violence against women, An Empty Place at the Table exhibit at Russell House and a main event on Oct. 16 featuring sexual assault educator and healthy relationship expert Mark Dawson.