South Carolinians face harrowing domestic violence statistics.
The state ranks 6th among states for its rate of women killed by men according to the Washington, DC based Violence Policy Center.
Out of 48 female homicides, 24 were white, 23 were black, and 1 was of unknown race. 59 percent were shot and killed with guns. 95 percent of female victims (42 out of 44) were murdered by someone they knew.
In the face of these statistics, October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout the state, and at the local level. The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault is at the forefront of reducing domestic violence regionally.
The Coalition provides services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Florence, Dillon, Chesterfield, Marion, Marlboro, Darlington and Williamsburg counties. The organization staffs a 24 hour crisis line, a safe shelter, a transitional shelter, provides counseling, court accompaniment, offender intervention and a host of vital services for victims. In addition, according to Coalition director Ellen Hamilton, “We encourage citizens to volunteer and dedicate themselves to learning about the impact of violence, how to reduce domestic violence, and support domestic violence programs in our community.”
Throughout the month of October, the Coalition will be hosting awareness events focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault. “Domestic violence is a serious social problem that crosses all economic, racial, gender and societal barriers,” said Hamilton. “We can’t do it alone. We need the help of citizens in the community to break the cycle of domestic violence.”
South Carolina has ranked in the top ten for the past two decades the Violence Policy Center has compiled its annual study.

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Pee Dee Coalition is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the reduction of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse and to serving the needs of victims. Pee Dee Coalition is supported in part by United Way.