Columbia S.C. (WSPA) – Attorney General Alan Wilson (R – South Carolina) led the 28th Annual Silent Witness Ceremony on Tuesday, honoring South Carolinians who lost their lives to domestic violence over the past year.

It was held on the steps of the State House, and it featured 46 life-sized red silhouettes, each one representing a known victim in South Carolina from 2024. Among them were 35 women and 11 men. A 47th silhouette stood in symbolic remembrance of victims whose deaths may never be reported or confirmed.

“We honor their memory by strengthening our commitment to justice, protection, and the prevention of violence. The reason you were here is because something horrible, horrific and tragic occurred, but you are here, nonetheless, and please know this you are not alone,” said Wilson.

Families of victims, survivors, state leaders, gathered to reflect and call for continued legislative action. Niwdayra Tapia, a domestic violence survivor urged others to speak out and seek help.

“I’m here today to beg and encourage all of you to not stay quiet and to seek help…Love is not supposed to hurt, make you feel stressed, depressed or worthless,” said Tapia.

Wilson used the opportunity to renew his push for stronger laws and judicial reforms aimed at holding violent offenders accountable. He emphasized the need for improved systems that protect victims and prevent repeat offenses.

“This also renews my intent to go after more judicial reform, because I want more accountability. When people execute the law poorly, or they make bad decisions that allow violent criminals back out on the streets. I think we need to hold those folks accountable,” said Wilson.

Law enforcement officials agreed with his concerns, specifically pointing to the lack of legislation addressing non-fatal strangulation. They said this is a known predictor of future homicides in domestic violence cases.

“Non-fatal strangulation has been identified as the number one indicator of a future homicide, especially for women and especially in domestic violence relationships,” Retired SC Law Enforcement Officer, Brian Bennett said.

Bennett said South Carolina remains the only state in the nation without a law that specifically defines and criminalizes non-fatal strangulation.

“Some of our legislature believes that we have laws that effectively deal with this already, and quite frankly, they don’t. The laws we currently have on the books are not written with the specificity to specifically address this type of assault,” he added.

According to Wilson, South Carolina previously ranked first in the nation for domestic violence deaths. More recent data shows some progress, the state ranked 23rd.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, officials urge you to contact law enforcement or reach out to a local domestic violence shelter.