Education & Outreach

Learn about the complex dynamics of domestic violence (including local and national statistics), barriers to leaving an abusive relationship, general safety planning tips, and Safe Harbor services.

This speaking engagement typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but can be longer depending on the amount of questions participants have.

"In Her Shoes" is an interactive simulation in which participants "walk in the shoes" of someone facing abuse from their intimate partner and learn about the difficult decisions and barriers survivors face. Following the simulation, a Safe Harbor facilitator will lead a debriefing session in which participants can discuss and share their thoughts and insights. 

This simulation works best in a large room with several tables, as it requires set-up of multiple stations that participants move to and from. Accomodations can be made for large groups and people with limited mobility.

This simulation and debrief can take anywhere from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on group size, amount of time participants spend working through the simulation, and length of the debriefing session. 

Safe Harbor is honored to work with a team of volunteer ambassadors, many of whom identify as having experienced abuse from an intimate partner. Survivor Ambassadors are sometimes available to share their stories, which can be extremely impactful and eye-opening.

During this kind of speaking engagement, we ask that participants respect the speaker's wishes around taking pictures and asking questions.

Time varies by speaker.

Whether you are a faith leader, HR professional or dedicated community member, it is important to respond to someone who is experiencing abuse in a trauma-informed way. Safe Harbor can provide best practices for responding to someone who discloses intimate partner abuse or who you suspect may be experiencing abuse from their partner.

This training typically takes about an hour, as it includes Domestic Violence 101 and ample opportunity for questions.

In the meantime, we encourage you to read more about supporting a survivor.

A healthcare professional may be the first person in a survivor's life to recognize warning signs of abuse and to refer them to life-saving resources. It is essential for healthcare professionals to understand the dynamics and warning signs of domestic violence. A Safe Harbor speaker can provide screening suggestions, information about our services and other relevant information. Please take a few minutes to review the resources below to learn more about working with patients who are experiencing domestic violence.

If you have questions about Safe Harbor services or would like our brochures and materials to share in your healthcare facility, please contact us at 864-385-7188 or info@safeharborsc.org. 

#ManUPstate is a collaborative social movement led by Safe Harbor, that emphasizes the role men can play in ending violence against women. Domestic abuse is not a "women's issue"; men must also participate in ending it, by understanding unhealthy cultural messages regarding gender, masculinity and violence. 

#ManUPstate challenges these subtle yet harmful social norms that lead to a quiet acceptance of violence and discrimination towards women. We strive to give men a mindset and vocabulary to take responsibility for ending violence against women, and to model healthy attitudes about what it means to "be a man."

To learn more about #ManUPstate's initiatives, visit www.manupstate.org.