Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the South Carolina Department of Public Safety a $1.99 million grant to help combat violence against women. The STOP Violence Against Women program encourages the development and implementation of effective, victim-centered law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to address violent crimes against women. The program is a partnership among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim advocacy organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their crimes against women. “It’s truly unfortunate that South Carolina has one of the highest rates in the nation of murder committed by men against their wives or partner,” said Graham. “We can and need to do better. I hope and believe this grant is a step in the right direction. We must protect the safety and security of our citizens and hold criminals accountable for their actions.”