The Palmetto Hope Network, REAL MAD (Real Men Against Domestic Violence), and South Carolina State Representative Wendell G. Gilliard are coming together once again to sponsor the 9th Annual Hope Walk, scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 14th, 2024. This year's event is set to address the pressing issues of domestic violence in South Carolina while also raising awareness for breast cancer with the support of a new partner, Hollings Cancer Center.
Partnering for Change: Hollings Cancer Center
In an exciting collaboration, Hollings Cancer Center has joined forces with the Palmetto Hope Network for the 9th Annual Hope Walk Against Violence. Representatives from Hollings Cancer Center will be speaking at the event and offering information and support at their table. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to address attendees, furthering the cause of breast cancer awareness and support.
Shining a Light on Domestic Violence
South Carolina ranks sixth-worst in the nation for women killed by men, according to the annual “When Men Murder Women” report published in September 2021. The latest data from the Violence Policy Center underscores the severity of the situation, with approximately two women killed for every 100,000 people in the state—a death rate more than twice the national average. Tragically, many of these incidents involve firearms, exacerbating the danger faced by victims.
Event founder, Marlvis 'Butch' Kennedy, emphasizes the critical importance of raising awareness about the increasing rate of domestic violence in the state in recent years: “In light of COVID-19, Domestic Violence has increased in our community. Our victims need your support now more than ever.”
Kennedy explains that the most dangerous time for a victim is when they leave the relationship. 50% of injuries and 75% of domestic homicides occur after the relationship ends. Palmetto Hope Network provides a range of critical support services to keep victims safe and moving forward. But Kennedy says that with My Sister’s House closing the only domestic violence shelter in the Charleston area, the need for services is greater than the current capacity of Palmetto Hope Network and other organizations that service victims; “Currently, for every five calls [Palmetto Hope] may get in a weekend, we are not able to house all victims on our current budget. It is very heartbreaking to turn away a victim who could not find shelter or another safe place to go. This walk is for the many who can’t find help. Your participation in this walk will help us help them.”
Supporting Survivors, Providing Hope
The Hope Walk Against Violence serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for survivors of domestic violence, many of whom have also battled breast cancer. Their work – and this walk – emphasizes the significance of a united community effort. Ticket sales and t-shirt purchases for the walk will aid Palmetto Hope Network in providing crisis intervention, emergency motel placement, food assistance, safety planning, legal aid, mental health support, and advocacy services to victims displaced by domestic violence.
Join the Movement
As preparations for the walk are underway, the Palmetto Hope Network urges individuals and organizations to join the movement in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence and breast cancer.
Participants are invited to:
- Join the Walk to show solidarity with victims and survivors.
- Purchase a T-shirt or Sponsor a Walker to support the cause.
- Challenge 5 Friends to join the fight against domestic violence.
- Shine a Light on the Issue: The community is invited to turn South Carolina purple from September 6th until the event by displaying purple porch lights, symbolizing unity against domestic violence.
For more information about the event, ticket sales, and how to get involved, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-hope-walk-tickets-852835061627.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
- Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Location: Ravenel Bridge, Charleston, SC – Beginning on the Charleston side of the Ravenel Bridge and ending on the Mt. Pleasant side of the bridge.
- Day-of Details: Participants will gather at Saint Julian’s Divine Center at 1 Cooper Street to hear speakers present before the walk.
- Event Host/Emcee: Raphael James
