Fit Columbia uses aerial yoga to aid in fight against domestic violence
Sometimes helping a good cause means doing something difficult. Other times it’s possible to do good and have fun at the same time. Sunday afternoon’s event at Fit Columbia in Five Points was an excellent example of the latter.
Fit Columbia owner Angela Sellers and her team opened the studio for a special aerial yoga class to raise awareness and money for the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA).
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us,” said SCCADVASA Executive Director Sara Barber, who participated in the aerial fun. “It’s a way for people to do something they like, contribute to a business that supports our community, and then learn more about what we do, what the issues are and how they can help.”
SCCADVASA is a statewide coalition of organizations providing services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and offering Primary Prevention programs to students and communities across the state.
“We work around four pillars: advocacy, collaboration, education and prevention,” Barber explained. “We try to coordinate efforts around those four pillars to really change South Carolina’s narrative regarding domestic and sexual violence.”
South Carolina, year after year, ranks among the 10 deadliest states for women. The Violence Policy Center ranked the Palmetto State sixth-worst in 2018, with 48 women killed by men in 12 months.
“I think we’re starting to make progress, but it’s a very, very long road,” Barber said. “I think people can take positive steps and think that we’re done, and we can never let up.”
Fit Columbia donated $221 to SCCADVASA Sunday afternoon, in addition to helping raise awareness. The fundraiser allowed those in attendance to experience yoga with aerial silks, a new experience for some, but one enjoyed by all.
Information for those who would like to support SCCADVASA and for anyone in need of help to escape domestic violence is available at SCCADVASA.org.