Women gather at the state house displaying their clothingBy: Aysia Randall
Sexual aasault prevention agencies and advocates gathered at the South Carolina State House Thursday to recognize sexual assault awareness month and ask that bills providing money to keep their services operating be passed.
Many brought clothes decorated with words of encouragement, empowerment, strength, and wisdom to pay tribute to the victims.
Specialist at South Carolina Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Bebe Westbrook was also a victim.
"I was raped at gunpoint at age 19, by a neighborhood acquaintance whose car was overheating, pulled up at a friend's house and said, "Can you give me a ride?" I was young, he was not a stranger," says Westbrook.
She spoke at the State House telling lawmakers to bring South Carolina up-to-date with the Federal Violence Against Women Act.
Westbrook says South Carolina won't be able to claim $4 million for the 16 sexual assault prevention agencies if they don't pass to key bills.
The bills have to be passed before the end of this session or they could miss out on funding.
