Meet Evelyn Hemphill, an African American mother and hardworking advocate from Rockhill, South Carolina. Despite facing domestic violence and enduring a mishandled divorce and court cases, Evelyn remains resilient. With over two decades of experience as a surgical technologist, she never intended to become an advocate. Her goal was to raise her son and support his education. However, the South Carolina Family Court System’s negligence caused her life to unravel.
South Carolina has alarming statistics when it comes to domestic violence. The state ranks sixth-highest in the country for the percentage of female residents who have experienced domestic violence. For nearly 20 years, South Carolina has consistently ranked in the top 10 states with the highest rate of intimate partner-related mortality. A recent report by the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage revealed that domestic violence cost the state $358.4 million in 2020. Unfortunately, South Carolina agencies and institutions have failed to address the long-term implications for domestic violence survivors and the financial strain they face.
Evelyn’s court battles have been financially devastating. She has spent over $100,000, depleting her savings, her child’s college fund, and accumulating debt. Her journey began in 2010 when her first lawyer neglected to appear in court, resulting in a default judgment that awarded custody of her child to her abuser. Subsequent lawyers mismanaged her case, costing her even more money. Throughout it all, Evelyn expected the Family Court System to protect her and her child, but instead, it prolonged her suffering.
Not only did her finances suffer, but her health also deteriorated. The stress of losing custody, paying child support to her abuser, and enduring a home invasion by her abuser led to the development of a Thyroid condition. Even after firing her fourth attorney in 2018 and representing herself, her case was dismissed on yet another technicality. Evelyn became disillusioned with the court system’s negligence and its relationships between plaintiff attorneys, defendant attorneys, and judges.
South Carolina’s Criminal Court issued a No-contact Restraining Order, but Family Court failed to grant Evelyn her right to have her abuse documented and considered in court proceedings. While nonprofit corporations receive funding from marriage license fees to support domestic violence programs and initiatives, victims are left to navigate Family Court alone.
Motivated by her own experiences, Evelyn began volunteering with Catapult Outreach, Inc., a Domestic Violence nonprofit organization. She shares her story at speaking engagements to raise awareness and support for others who have faced similar situations. Unfortunately, her fight for justice has left her financially strained, struggling to provide for herself and her son. Evelyn is now seeking public support to get her life back on track.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Catapult Outreach offers exit planning and advocacy services. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical assault, sexual abuse, economic abuse, and emotional abuse. Visit CatapultOutreach.org for more information and resources.
To learn more about Evelyn Hemphill’s story and show your support, visit her website at https://evelyn-the-domestic-violence-advocate.ueniweb.com/ or donate directly at https://gofund.me/2b1517cc or https://gofund.me/267d9438.
(Note to Editors: Please contact Evelyn Hemphill at (803) 470-5618 or newsoulmusic14@gmail.com for press inquiries and interviews.)
Sources:
– World Population Review: Domestic Violence by State
– S.C. Code § 20-4-160(C)
