COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Saturday, hundreds gathered outside Segra Park for the Mayor's Walk Against Domestic Violence.
South Carolina is ranked sixth in the nation for the rate of women killed by men, according to Sistercare. Over 40% of women and 30% of men in South Carolina experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Mayor Daniel Rickenmann continued his tradition of getting dunked in the dunking booth for donations to Sistercare. Many exhibitors, including the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), Sistercare and the Columbia Office of Violent Crime Prevention, were there to offer resources to the community.
News19's Andrea Mock hosted the event. Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford, Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson, Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook and Rickenmann all spoke on the importance of breaking the cycle and seeking help to escape a violent situation. They reminded people that the important thing is to "Believe her."
Anyone who is experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or local agency Sistercare at 803-926-0505 for assistance.