Spotting domestic violence can save someone’s life
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Domestic violence advocates are speaking out to encourage those trapped in abusive situations to call for help and to educate people on getting help for their loved ones.
In the CSRA, SafeHomes Domestic Violence Center has an anonymous helpline to help victims ask for help, get information about resources and also help those trying to help friends and family know what to say.
Cameras in classrooms: New South Carolina bill sparks mixed reviews
As the new legislative session gets underway in South Carolina there’s a new bill that is already getting mixed reviews.
Statistics show one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Domestic violence is often a foreign topic to those who have not been exposed. But it can also be an unfamiliar term to those who are trapped in a violent household and have come to think although it is hard, their situation is ‘normal.’ It usually occurs between a spouse or a partner like a boyfriend or girlfriend.
“It would make life a lot easier if abs like wore that title on their forehead, but unfortunately they don’t,” explained Safe Alliance Sexual Trauma Resource Center Director and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist Leanna Pai.
S.C. audit finds mysterious $1.8B state surplus doesn’t exist
South Carolina now faces a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the misreporting of a $1.8 billion surplus that never existed.
Safe Alliance in North Carolina reports one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Pai explained, “It’s not going to be unusual for you to run into someone who’s dealing with this.”
She said a telltale sign in public could be body language. A victim might be jumpy or a couple might exchange uncomfortable looks. Those are actions Safe Alliance encourages you not to ignore.
“So even if you’re not sure, just telling someone that, ‘Hey, I’m here to you. It seems like you’re going through a lot.’ Knowing that someone cares and someone believes them is so valuable,” explained Pai. “Knowing that you’re there for them, even just to talk, is so valuable when we’re talking about, you know, helping someone get up the courage to do something different.”
Local Walgreens store says it’s closing permanently
As Walgreens struggles to make a comeback, it's planning to close around 1,200 locations – and at least one of them is here.
She said oftentimes, those conversations can be the key to help a victim leave their violent circumstance.
If someone does open up to you, she said one of the worst things you can say to someone is “Just leave!”
“The reality is, when someone has taken control of your life, they’ve isolated you,” explained Pai. “They might have control of your finances. They certainly have power over any kids you might have, especially if you have them together. Your life is completely intertwined with this person. It’s not as simple as just being able to leave.”
She said leaving takes time and often takes seven violent incidents before someone decides to leave a domestic violence situation.
“It takes a lot of planning, understanding and just making sure that you and your family is going to be safe before you really make that final call,” said Pai.
Leaving these physically, emotionally, verbally and financially abusive situations is not easy, especially when it’s been going on for so long it’s become ‘normal’ for a victim. Which is why Pai says everyone should consider these questions:
“What freedoms do you feel like you have? You used to have that, you don’t anymore. What times are you available to meet with friends versus what times are you kept? Those sorts of pieces all have to do with power and control, both physically but also mentally and just–Are you able to live your life the way you want to? And make your own decisions?”
If these questions resonate, please reach out for help.
In of what may have led to a domestic partner being violent, Pai said it is different for everyone and that there is no one thing that sets off a violent streak.
She said, “There can be certain expectations that happen throughout someone’s life, if this is a situation they’ve grown up in, it’s something that they would consider to be normal. Not justifying that in any way or saying that it’s OK, but understanding that there’s a deeper need in our society for an early understanding and early intervention of ‘what is a healthy relationship. How do I build? How do I know if I don’t have it?’ That would help to address this issue as a whole.”
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
