10/09/2026
This Tuesday, we gathered at the South Carolina State House for the 29th Annual Silent Witness Ceremony, hosted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, to honor the 40 South Carolinians who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2025.
Family members, friends, and community members carried 41 silhouettes in tribute. Of those, 30 represented known female victims and 10 represented known male victims. As each victim’s name was read aloud, a bell tolled in remembrance. The 41st silhouette symbolized those whose stories remain unknown.
In 2025, five known women in Richland County lost their lives to domestic violence. We remember them and all those whose lives were cut short by intimate partner violence.
Together, we honor and work toward a safer South Carolina, free from domestic violence.
[Ten Images from the Silent Witness Ceremony
Image 1: Victim Advocate John Dunn stands alongside attendees, some wearing purple, as they look toward the ceremony.
Image 2: A woman holds a memorial photo of Rhonda Fleming.
Image 3: A woman in a red top addresses the seated audience from a podium in front of the State House steps. An American flag stands behind her as attendees listen.
Image 4: A memorial board featuring Jaylan Sarah Hasty’s portrait and floral accents stands on a black easel along a shaded walkway.
Image 5: Attendees sit in rows facing a podium at the base of the State House steps. Red and blue silhouettes stand behind the speaker.
Image 6: A large group of attendees sits near a tent and on the lawn, facing the ceremony area.
Image 7: Dozens of life-sized red and blue silhouettes are staggered across the State House steps, with people standing among them.
Image 8: Two women stand on a walkway while holding a large purple sign.
Image 9: A group of attendees sits in rows of chairs while holding programs as they listen.
Image 10: Rows of life-sized silhouettes, each with a white information card, displayed on the grass.]
