Safe Passage Inc. recently welcomed Adrienne Woods as executive director of the agency, which provides support to victims of abuse and violence. The agency was established 25 years ago, and its mission statement is “Empower the survivor. Eliminate the abuse. Engage the community. Engender change.”
Safe Passage fights for the rights of those affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse. The agency educates people in identifying red flags in relationships that could eventually lead to abuse. They also provide emergency shelter, care and support for those affected by violence.
Woods was the regional attorney for the South Carolina Department of Social Services and worked as a child advocate for the Council of Children’s Rights with the Children’s Law Center at the University of South Carolina School of Law. As a native to the Carolinas, she received her law degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Law.
Woods is admired by her colleagues, who recognize her passion for helping and empowering those in need and giving a voice to survivors of abuse.
“Adrienne brings a wealth of experience to Safe Passage in staff development, legal work in advocating for children and vulnerable adults and collaboration with multiple agencies,” said Judy Longshaw, board chair of Safe Passage and Winthrop’s news and media services manager.
Winthrop students are comforted by the idea of someone like Woods serving the area in such a delicate manner. With some college campuses being a hub for sexual assault, knowing that there is an agency like Safe Passage with someone like Woods in charge provides students with much-needed comfort that there is a dedicated person who would be able to help them in abusive situations.
“I feel safer knowing that there is a person that knows the field and knows what they’re doing. It is very comforting. If something were to happen to me or my family, I know that I’d be in good hands,” said Destiny Middleton, a freshman psychology major.
Other Winthrop students are thankful for someone with so much experience and passion who dedicates their life to helping others, especially women, through such difficult experiences.
“It gives me hope that an educated woman gives her time and effort to help other women and their families through hard times. In the world that we are in, no one wants to help each
other. Knowing that there is someone who is selfless enough to do that is amazing,” said Aliya Busbee, a sophomore psychology major.
Rock Hill is lucky to have someone like Woods working in the area and serving the community in such a positive way. In a time where women are finally encouraged to get help for the abuse that they may have gone through in both the past and the present, it is important that there is an agency such as Safe Passage present in the community.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, abuse or domestic violence, Safe Passage has a 24-hour hotline, (803) 329-2800.
