Project R.E.S.T hosts Domestic Violence Awareness Month event series
Project R.E.S.T., an organization that provides a multi-faceted assistance program to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, will host various events throughout the month of October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Community members are invited to attend the series of events to raise awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, give back to local nonprofit organizations and show support for individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
“At Project R.E.S.T., we strive to ensure that members of our community affected by domestic and sexual violence feel validated, supported and that there is a space for them to heal, not only during Domestic Violence Awareness Month but whenever they are in need,” said Jada Charley, CEO and president of Project R.E.S.T. “Domestic and sexual violence impacts every community, every day and by acknowledging this through various events, we are working toward a safer and more caring world.”
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a way for individuals and organizations affected by and working on domestic violence issues to unify and collaborate across the nation. According to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), 71 people were killed due to domestic homicide in South Carolina in 2021, and law enforcement responded to more than 25,000 incidents of simple/aggravated assault. The goals of DVAM are to support victims and survivors, honor those that have lost their lives, condemn abusers, and work toward legislation that fosters safety in all communities and households.
Project R.E.S.T. has planned a series of events throughout October:
● Tuesday, Oct. 18 – Cherokee County Silent Witness Vigil – Recognition and remembrance of victims of domestic violence homicide led by Assistant Solicitor Toria Smith. (Gaffney City Hall, Gaffney | 6 p.m.)
● Thursday, Oct. 20 – Spartanburg County Silent Witness Vigil – Recognition and remembrance of victims of domestic violence homicide led by Police Chief Alonzo Thompson. (Daniel Morgan Square, Spartanburg | 5 p.m.)
● Tuesday, Oct. 25 – Union County Silent Witness Vigil – Recognition and remembrance of victims of domestic violence homicide led by Sheriff Jeff Bailey. (Union County Library, Union | 12 p.m.)
● Thursday, Oct. 27 – Auction for a Cause – Live auction, Lowcountry boil, drinks and music by Not Even Brothers to benefit Bethlehem Center, Mary & Martha Services, Project R.E.S.T., Ruth’s Gleanings, The Haven, Upstate Family Resource Center and Camp Sertoma. A virtual silent auction will open Friday, Oct. 28 and close Friday, Nov. 4 at 9 p.m. (Indigo Hall, Spartanburg | 5:30 p.m.)
The Mary Black Foundation supports the efforts of Project R.E.S.T. Most recently, the Foundation provided a $75,000 grant to fund a full-time therapist working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
For more information on Project R.E.S.T.’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, follow along on the organization’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about Project R.E.S.T.’s domestic violence and sexual assault assistance programs, visit www.projectrest.org.
ABOUT PROJECT R.E.S.T.
Project R.E.S.T.’s mission is to use a collective voice to address the impact of domestic and sexual violence by providing quality services to those affected and to create social change through education, training and activism. The South Carolina-based nonprofit has served the Upstate for nearly 40 years, providing services to victims of domestic violence in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties, and victims of sexual assault in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties. Project R.E.S.T. supports more than 1,400 individuals each year. For more information, visit www.projectrest.org.
