NEWBERRY — Helping battered women move from the darkness of life into the light was the reason for a fund raiser Tuesday in Newberry.
The fund raiser barbecue was a chance for locals to show their support and become better educated about Sistercare.
Sistercare is a program of services for battered women and their children residing in Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington and Richland counties.
This year 8,500 people in the five county area have gotten services through Sistercare.
South Carolina ranks second in nation in the number of women killed by men.
The program works to help women and in turn helps children living in abusive families.
Sistercare Executive Director Nancy Barton said in addition to providing safety for women, the group also provides support, counseling and education to the community.
The education piece goes from the school age child to judges, clergy, law enforcement and others.
In Newberry County, Misty Cooper works full time with victims of domestic violence.
While much of the work is done in the community she also has an office in the Newberry County Department of Social Services at the intersection of Wilson and Smith roads.
Karen Basso told the group how her drunk husband held her a gunpoint and later harassed, stalked and terrified her. The abuse went on until a police officer at the University of South Carolina where she worked encouraged her to get help.
In addition to support, she also had help to get a restraining order signed.
At times, Basso did not want to live and wonders how women who have so much less than she did survive.
As Basso healed, she adopted a dog in 2003.
Her bond with the dog resulted in her writing children’s mysteries using her puppy. There are now four books in the series.
Basso is also working on an adult book called A Paw on My Heart.
The event was held at Sistercare Board Member George Routon’s home on Main Street and was well attended.
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