PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

June 27, 2012

Statement in Response to the Closing of CASA Myrtle Beach

The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) is saddened by the closing of CASA Myrtle Beach, the domestic violence advocacy program serving Georgetown and Horry counties.  This program has provided advocacy services for victims for many years, and their closing leaves a significant gap for people seeking safety in this region. During this difficult time, our focus remains on ensuring that victims in this area, and all across South Carolina, have access to safety and services.

SCCADVASA is a network of the 23 sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy programs across South Carolina.  We do not regulate or provide oversight of these programs, but rather provide training, assistance, and an opportunity for programs to network and share resources with one another.  Each of these programs is a separate, independent non-profit, each with its own Executive Director and Board of Directors.  These programs, and their highly dedicated staff and volunteers, work 24/7 to ensure victims have access to shelter, individual and group counseling, court and hospital accompaniment, and a myriad of other services.  SCCADVASA urges everyone to contact the program(s) in your area and learn more about the services they provide.  Let’s not allow the mistakes of one organization to damage our faith in, and commitment to, the others who continue to provide crucial services to adults and children all across South Carolina.  The work these programs are doing is life saving work, and is critical to our state.  Please take a moment to find out what you can do to get involved.

To find the sexual assault or domestic violence program in your area, please visit http://sccadvasa.org/about/member-programs.html.  For more information, please contact Pamela Jacobs, SCCADVASA’s Executive Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (803) 256-2900.