By: C. Michelle Bryant
You’re probably wondering why Focus on Fabulous magazine, a magazine designed to showcase the good things in life, the magic around us, would choose such an ugly topic like Domestic Violence to feature. Well, for one, this issue spans from December to February. Since it finishes one year and seeps into another we felt that an overall message of “out with the old, and in with the new” seemed appropriate for this topic in this specific issue.
Focus on Fabulous magazine takes pride in revealing the silver lining that hides beneath the darkest cloud. We feel that My Sister’s House (MSH), at an undisclosed location near Charleston, South Carolina, is the silver lining for those suffering from violence and abuse in their lives.
If you know anything about domestic violence you probably know that it often goes unreported. In fact, nationally, less than three percent of domestic violence victims press charges. According to the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior that is only a fraction of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. And yet, domestic violence most often comes to our attention when it becomes deadly.
For nearly 40 years my sister’s House (MSH) has been assisting those who consider the option of changing their life and circumstances and all disclosed information is kept strictly confidential once assistance is petitioned. (MSH) is a free service facility providing a safe haven for its residents, not just in shelter but also offering advocacy, outreach and training. Children’s programs have also been incorporated in the mission of (MSH) to better assist the children who are victims of domestic violence. This program provides educational and therapeutic activities for children ages 4-17 who reside within the shelter. Counseling and therapy are available to residents as well and free support groups are offered to anyone who wishes to receive the support of a group discussion setting.
As the only facility in the Tri-county area, they have made it their mission to provide services and resources to empower victims and their children of domestic violence to live free from abuse. The 9,500 square foot facility has 36 beds for women and their children under age 18. There are two therapists on staff, one specializing in adults and one specializing in children. Clients and their children may reside at the facility for 60 days, and longer if needed. Providing rest and stability to its clients is of the utmost importance to the staff at My Sister’s House.
Once a potential client contacts the facility they are provided a case manager who works one on one with them in assisting their journey to an abuse-free life. They are assisted in setting goals and working toward transitioning, to include but not limited to, transitional housing, employment, budget planning, child care, as well as the provided access to public transportation, services for children and court advocacy. A clothes closet is available on site to provide clothing for clients and their children who may arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, as well as career attire for clients to wear to employment interviews.
Although My Sister’s House provides rest, stability, resources, and support, the clients are encouraged and held accountable in providing their personal efforts and time toward their individual transitions.
As you can clearly see, My Sister’s House is a beacon of light and hope to many who feel lost and alone. We are honored to have the opportunity to share their story of heart, hope and healing with our readers and encourage you to reach out. Like many nonprofits, My Sister’s House relies greatly on services, volunteer hours and donations. To donate or volunteer visit: https://www. mysistershouse.org/copy-of-annual-domestic-violence-lu.