Domestic Violence Won't Be Tolerated, Officials Say At Vigil

Oct. 10--The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety handled 400 assault cases last year. One-third of those involved domestic violence, Chief Mike Adams said.

Nationally, 15 percent of all violent crimes involve domestic violence, he said.

Adams, along with Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, Elaine McNeil of CASA Family Systems and Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler led Monday's domestic violence vigil.

The event was held in Centennial Park in the Edisto Memorial Gardens at 7 p.m., against the backdrop of a fountain tinted purple to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is held each October.

Adams said the annual event "gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fighting domestic violence."

"The road that we're on is a long road. And it seems like it's never ending. Year after year after year, we continue to fight this battle," he said.

Butler said, "We want every silent voice to be heard and we want you to come forth like never before."

"Your life matters to us and that's why we keep coming here year after year. What you're going through at your home matters to everyone here," he said.

McNeil said, "Today, we're honoring those who've lost their lives, those who've left abusive relationships and those who may still be in abusive relationships."

Ravenell said, "We have to keep our voices out there. We have to be heard."

"We have zero tolerance for criminal domestic violence," he added.

"Criminal domestic violence isn't something that you just sweep under the rug and keep as a family secret. We have to get it out. We have to let people know so we can give assistance."

"You're not alone," Ravenell said. "We are with you. We'll continue to be with you."

At the close of the event, people lit candles in honor of their loved ones who were victims of domestic violence.

Community leaders lit a unity candle to symbolize the combined effort of supporting domestic violence victims.

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