Did you know that 42% of South Carolina women experience some sort of domestic violence within their intimate relationships? Unfortunately, that number continues to steadily rise, and more women are scared to come forward about it. Sistercare, a non-profit based out of Cayce, South Carolina, fights to stand in the gap for victims of domestic violence and be a resource for those who need to escape abusive situations.
“Domestic violence doesn't discriminate,” executive director Leah Wicevic said. “Our mission is to play an active part in seeing the number of cases of domestic violence decrease, and to be a refuge for those who find themselves in those scary situations.”
Sistercare serves five different counties within the Midlands including Lexington, Richland, Kershaw, Fairfield and Newberry counties.
Within each county, Sistercare offers comprehensive services for survivors, including both women and children. The organization's goal is to have offices that provide convenient access when helping assist women, no matter where they are located.
Sistercare has a 24/7 crisis hotline that is set up with trained staff who are ready to assist in crisis situations. In 2023, the crisis hotline received over 2,000 calls. With each call, trained Sistercare advocates can intervene by providing shelter assistance, referrals and general information as needs arise.
Sistercare also offers emergency shelter for those seeking refuge from violent partners. The shelters provide a safe place where victims can live temporarily and receive confidential help while planning for the future. Sistercare will provide their clients with all basic needs, transportation, childcare and access to professional counseling. Wicevic told the Chronicle that the average client will seek refuge in an emergency shelter for about 30 days, but it varies by each person’s situation.
“We don’t judge, we meet clients where they are in terms of need,” she said. Sistercare has housed about 400 clients a year through its emergency shelters.
Aside from meeting the basic needs of the women and children who seek crisis refuge and assistance, Sistercare also offers community-based services through law enforcement and attorneys. The attorneys, also referred to as “court advocates,” can help victims achieve safety and protection by assisting with obtaining restraining orders or orders of separation from their abuser. In 2023, Sistercare court advocates helped 1,914 women find legal protection from abusive partners.
“While we are so grateful to be able to offer so many wonderful resources to our clients, we would not be able to do it without the help of our community partnerships and volunteers,” Wicevic said. “It’s not just about what we do and the services we provide, it’s a community effort to end domestic violence.”
Sistercare works to educate the community on how to recognize signs of an abusive partnership. The organization has been working with medical schools, law enforcement agencies, paramedics and medical practices about the red flags that they would encounter and recognize immediately. Sistercare believes that prevention and education will make the key difference in lowering the numbers of abusive situations, especially those who are unable to seek help for themselves.
“The day to day can be hard. We have seen it all,” Wicevic said. “It’s all about seeing these brave women taking their freedom back. They are the true heroes in this story.”
Sistercare invites the community to join their fight against domestic violence and its impact on women by educating themselves on awareness and prevention. Sistercare also welcomes financial donations to help cover expenses for their services provided to locals. They also offer volunteer opportunities for those that are interested. More information can be found on their website, sistercare.org.