Fountain Inn police department to host 4th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk

The Fountain Inn Police Department is inviting community members to lace up their walking shoes and wear purple this weekend for the 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

Hosted by Fountain Inn Police Department Victim Advocate Felisha Miller, the annual event unites residents, law enforcement officers, advocates, and local families to honor victims, stand beside survivors, and shine a light on an issue that continues to touch every corner of the state.

“Domestic violence impacts individuals and families in every community, including ours,” Miller said. “This walk gives us an opportunity to stand beside survivors; remember those we have lost and remind people that help and support are available. Every person who puts on purple and walks with us helps bring this issue out of the shadows. Whether you are walking for someone you love, in memory of someone, or simply because you want to be part of positive change, your steps matter”.

The gathering comes amid sobering statewide data. According to the South Carolina Attorney General’s 2025 Domestic Violence Fatality Report, 46 people were murdered by a household member across South Carolina in 2024, including 35 women and 11 men. Spanning 24 of the state’s 46 counties, the fatal incidents involved victims ranging from 20 to 86 years old, with an average age of 43. Firearms remained the leading cause of death, accounting for 68 percent of those domestic homicides.

For local law enforcement, the walk represents an ongoing commitment to victim advocacy that extends far past emergency calls.

“Our officers see firsthand the impact domestic violence can have on victims, children and entire families,” Fountain Inn Police Chief Patrick Fortenberry said. “Law enforcement has an important role to play, but preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors requires an entire community. When Fountain Inn comes together for this walk, we are sending a clear message to survivors that they are supported and to our community that domestic violence has no place here”.

Participants will step off from Fountain Inn City Hall at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, with walkers asked to arrive by 7:45 a.m. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear purple—the traditional color of domestic violence awareness—as a unified visual show of solidarity.

Participation is free of charge, though advance registration is requested. Community members can sign up online by clicking here.

For further details about the walk or victim support resources, contact City of Fountain Inn Victim Advocate Felisha Miller at 864-531-0657 or via email at [email protected]