The S.C. Department of Social Services will use this grant money for several activities and strategies for fighting domestic violence. The mission includes enhancing the safety of women and children in the child welfare system by increasing protection through an interagency protocol with a county coordinating council; enhancing access to services and resources for women and children in the child welfare system who have been exposed to domestic violence; providing direct services to children who witness domestic violence including support groups, education, counseling and transition support services and developing response teams to identify and assess cases involving domestic violence and child maltreatment.

            "With this grant we can more aggressively anticipate and prevent the mistreatment that occurs among families in rural parts of our state," Congressman Clyburn said. "There is no reason our state has to lead the nation in domestic violence statistics, and as we work together, I'm confident we'll become a leader in violence prevention."

            The project also involves the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Clemson University's 4-H Program, Family Court and the Department of Mental Health.

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