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Many reasons rape kits go untested
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‘Shut up and dance’
BY COLLYN TAYLOR intern@theitem.com Sexual assault is a serious crime, and the minutes after an attack can be vital for collecting evidence for criminal investigations. While the tedious process of putting rape kits together continues, many kits aren’t being processed by law enforcement. Data printed in Tuesday’s edition of The Sumter Item showed 49 untested rape kits between the Sumter Police Department and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. According to both department spokespersons, some go untested because of the amnesty law. Under the law, if the victim wants to remain anonymous, the rape kit is turned over to law enforcement without a name, and it is up
SEE KITS, PAGE A9
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Children celebrate National Dance Day by dancing in the downtown green space on Saturday morning. The dancers performed several modern dances and then learned a special dance choreographed by members of Dizzy Feet Foundation.
Sumter celebrates National Dance Day at downtown green space BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com
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crowd of people showed up at the Main Street green space on Saturday to cut a rug during Sumter’s second Dizzy Feet Foundation event in celebration of National Dance Day. Dizzy Feet Foundation was founded in 2009 by “So You Think You Can Dance” judges Nigel Lythgoe and
Adam Shankman to increase access to dance education across the country. During the event, participants learned routines created by the show’s alumni, Twitch and Travis Wall, to the song “Shut Up and Dance” by the group Walk the Moon. The choreography is available online at dizzyfeetfoundation.org. Wanda Dennis and her family arrived at the green space early Saturday for her granddaughter, who was more
than ready to dance. Tieryanna Keith, 8, practiced the routine the night before, Dennis said. “I had to bring her out here,” she said. Tieryanna, a member of the step team at Lemira Elementary School, said dancing has always been her dream, and she puts her personal style into all of her moves.
SEE DIZZY, PAGE A9
YWCA helps victims of domestic violence BY KONSTANTIN VENGEROWSKY konstantin@theitem.com Domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries for women ages 15 to 44, more common than auto accidents, muggings and cancer combined, according to statistics from the U.S. Surgeon General. The YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc. aims to alleviate the effects of domestic violence by providing a temporary shelter and programs for victims and their children.
Through its efforts, the local chapter has been able to assist thousands of women since opening in Sumter in 1965, providing women with the support and tools to help transform their lives. The organization is also dedicated to promoting racial justice and personal empowerment across all programs and services. “Our goal is to offer help to everyone who comes through the door regardless of their situation,” said Yolanda Debra Wilson, YWCA of the Upper Lowlands Inc. executive director. “A lot of times women show up at our door-
THE SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO
YWCA of the Upper Lowlands, Inc. Executive Director Yolanda Debra Wilson, seen here at a 2014 candlelight vigil for domestic violence victims, says her goal is to “offer help everyone who comes through the door regardless of their situation.” step with no resources.” The local organization is one of two YWCA chapters in the state, one in Sumter
and one in Charleston. Sumter’s serves Sumter, Claren-
SEE YWCA, PAGE A7
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