In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is highlighting resources, programming and community conversations throughout October that raise awareness of domestic violence and connect audiences with information and support. The effort is part of South Carolina Speaks: Focus on Domestic Violence, a yearlong partnership between SCETV and the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA).
Through the partnership, SCETV and SCCADVASA are working together to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of domestic violence and sexual assault on individuals, families and communities across South Carolina. The initiative also spotlights resources and support available to survivors while highlighting the work of organizations across the state that provide critical services. SCCADVASA serves as the collective voice for prevention and advocacy in South Carolina, providing training, resources and policy guidance to strengthen services for survivors. Its 22 member organizations offer hotlines, free and confidential advocacy, safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling and other critical support for survivors, their children and families.
As part of the initiative, SCETV invites middle and high school students enrolled in school news programs, CTE media courses, journalism clubs or youth organizations to participate in the South Carolina Speaks: Voices Against Violence Youth Media Challenge. The student storytelling challenge encourages participants to create original one- to three-minute videos exploring issues connected to domestic and dating violence. The challenge aims to promote understanding of healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, empower students to use media as a tool for advocacy and awareness and encourage conversations between students, educators and counselors that lead to safer, more supportive school environments. Winning entries will be featured on SCETV’s digital and broadcast platforms in February 2027 during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. More information is available at SCETV’s Youth Media Challenge webpage.
SCETV’s digital platforms also feature resources addressing a variety of topics related to domestic and dating violence. Videos are posted to the SCETV News YouTube channel, website and social media as well as broadcast to viewers on television, bringing further awareness to the topics. “Supporting Friends & Family” offers guidance on listening without judgment, recognizing warning signs, avoiding blame and connecting someone with trusted resources. “Intimate Partners and Gun Violence” explores the connection between domestic violence and firearm access, including the ways abusers may use intimidation, threats and control. “Your Phone Shouldn’t Make You Afraid: Digital Abuse” examines how technology can be used to track, threaten or control others, while “Is It Really Love?: Teen Dating Violence” helps young people recognize that dating violence can include control, jealousy and emotional harm in addition to physical abuse.
SCETV’s television programming will further explore the causes, impact and prevention of domestic violence throughout the month. On Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. on ETV, a new episode of IMPACT South Carolina titled “Tools of Change – Helping Abusers Heal,” examines South Carolina’s domestic violence crisis and efforts to help men who have abused their intimate partners. Through interviews with former abusers, counselors and others, the episode explores why men may abuse, what happens after incarceration and whether counseling, treatment and other programs can help change behavior and break the cycle of violence.
A new, live episode of Palmetto Perspectives titled “Healing the Hurt,” will follow at 7:30 p.m., exploring the causes and impact of domestic violence, including how harmful patterns can become generational. The discussion will examine why people hurt others, how abuse can be stopped and how survivors and families can find healing, safety and hope for the future while highlighting practical steps for preventing violence from being passed down.
SCETV Safe Space will also address healthy relationships with a new episode titled “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” premiering Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. The episode explores how young people can recognize harmful behaviors, or “red flags,” in relationships and understand what healthy relationships should look like.
Through the community storytelling initiative Voices Collected, SCETV is also inviting South Carolinians to share reflections, messages of inspiration and encouragement related to domestic violence. The initiative seeks to preserve voices and memories connected to domestic violence while emphasizing the experiences, impact and possibilities for healing and change. Collected voices, shared through audio, video or written submissions, will be curated for use in broadcast, podcasts, social media and educational materials. Information about Voices Collected is available on SCETV’s South Carolina Speaks webpage.
As part of South Carolina Speaks: Focus on Domestic Violence, SC Public Radio’s Narrative will feature a conversation with Sara Barber, executive director of SCCADVASA. The conversation will explore her work with the organization, how it supports victims of domestic violence and cultural attitudes surrounding abuse, including why victims may not seek help or may remain silent. A new episode of This Week in South Carolina focusing on domestic violence will also be released in October. Episodes featuring SCCADVASA and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in a discussion about how the state is addressing criminal domestic violence and opioids are also available on the South Carolina Speaks webpage, with additional news coverage available through SC Public Radio.
Additional programming focused on domestic violence will air throughout October. Audiences can also explore episodes of previous SCETV programs such as Palmetto Scene, already available to watch on-demand, featuring stories on domestic violence, criminal domestic violence and teen dating violence. These programs offer additional perspectives on the experiences and challenges surrounding domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
For more information and resources focused on domestic violence awareness, visit the South Carolina Speaks webpage at SCETV.org and SCCADVASA.org.
QUOTES
“Domestic violence affects individuals, families and communities across South Carolina, and awareness is an important step toward prevention and support. Through South Carolina Speaks: Focus on Domestic Violence, SCETV is creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, sharing information and connecting audiences with resources that can help. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year, SCETV is proud to work alongside SCCADVASA and organizations across the state to help South Carolinians recognize the signs of abuse, understand healthy relationships and know where to turn for support.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“We all know someone who has experienced abuse. Survivors are our friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. SCCADVASA is grateful for SCETV’s partnership and thoughtful programming to shine a light on the issue of domestic violence, raise awareness of the signs of abuse, and help connect survivors with support in their communities.” –SCCADVASA Executive Director Sara Barber
FAST FACTS
- South Carolina Speaks: Focus on Domestic Violence is a yearlong partnership between SCETV and SCCADVASA focused on awareness, education and resources related to domestic violence and sexual assault.
- SCETV’s October programming includes IMPACT South Carolina, Palmetto Perspectives and SCETV Safe Space, addressing domestic violence, abuse prevention and healthy relationships.
- The South Carolina Speaks: Voices Against Violence Youth Media Challenge empowers middle and high school students to use storytelling to raise awareness of domestic and dating violence.
- SCETV’s digital platforms feature resources addressing topics including supporting friends and family, intimate partner violence and gun violence, digital abuse and teen dating violence.
- SCCADVASA’s 22 member organizations provide critical services including hotlines, confidential advocacy, safety planning, emergency shelter and counseling for survivors and their families.
- For more information, visit the South Carolina Speaks webpage on SCETV.org and SCCADVASA.org.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
