Let's Stop the Violence - Participate in the October 20 Family Event & Rally in North Myrtle Beach

When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, October 20

Where: J. Bryan Floyd Community Center, 1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach

New statistics show that South Carolina is the sixth worst state in the nation for domestic violence cases.

That’s just one reason the upcoming the Let’s Stop the Violence! Family Event and Rally in North Myrtle Beach on October 20 is so important.

The event includes a Walk a Mile in their Shoes component in which men are asked to don women’s shoes (no spike heels) and join women in a walk to raise money to establish a shelter for women and children in Horry County. Walkers (women and men who supply their own women’s shoes) pay $25 to participate. Men in need of women’s shoes pay $40. Anyone who cannot pay is still welcome to walk.

Live performers include dancers from the Carolina Forest Performing Arts Center and Save the Music, Save Me. 

North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley will open the rally, and U.S. Rep. Tom Rice, R-SC, will deliver the keynote address.

Food will be available.

Donations will help the Family Justice Center’s efforts in Horry County, which currently has no shelter for victims of domestic violence. The Family Justice Center began serving clients in Horry County two years ago and the agency’s caseload is now almost twice the caseload of victims in Georgetown County.

Studies show that bullying builds future abusers. After male bullies leave school, they are more likely to bully girlfriends and spouses, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

So, join the Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties to help raise awareness and break the cycle of violence of both life-threatening issues-- Domestic Violence and Bullying.

"Domestic violence is a tragic and lethal problem in South Carolina and breeds many other problems for the children in these homes, who struggle with the pain and shame it creates,” said Vicki Bourus, executive director of the Family Justice Center. “When we act to prevent and effectively address domestic violence, we are improving quality of life, not only for these children, but for the entire community -- certainly a worthy goal."

The local October 20 event is being held to correspond with National Domestic Violence Prevention Month and National Anti-Bullying Month, event organizer Fred Nesta explained.

"If we can save one child, if we can save one woman, if we can impact one person's life in a positive way, that's the goal," Nesta said.