Over the last three years I have shared a vision for ministering to families devastated by domestic violence and sexual assault with SCCADVASA (South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) and our Attorney General Henry McMaster and his office. We have seen the numbers slowly rise of fatalities due to domestic violence, plus an increase in men victims by women.
Here is some statistical information from 2006 in our state (note: it is difficult to get good reports on a timely basis)
All Domestic Assaults for 2006
| Relationship of Victim to Offender |
Aggravated Assault |
Simple Assault |
Intimidation |
Totals |
| Spouse |
1,827 |
7,761 |
1,858 |
11,446 |
| Common-Law Spouse |
866 |
3,271 |
380 |
4,517 |
| Boy/Girlfriend |
3,236 |
12,042 |
2,520 |
17,798 |
| Ex-Spouse |
115 |
549 |
629 |
1,293 |
| Grand Totals |
6,044 |
23,623 |
5,387 |
35,054 |
In better ministering through these staggering statistics, here is one great source for assistance and support for faith leaders:
Faith Trust Institute: check out their webpage for video, brochures, Sunday Bulletin inserts.
Note: Be amazed at all the other faith groups that are involved, including Muslims, who have developed a powerful ministry in this crisis.
Please also note that a topic on Domestic Violence is offered this year (2008) at our upcoming EPICs.
