A study released this week ranks South Carolina as one of the highest in the country, but in this case the numbers aren't a good thing.
According to the Violence Policy Center the Palmetto State ranks number two in the country in the rate of women murdered by men.
Those behind the study say the statistics show how domestic violence can escalate to murder.
For the Pee Dee Coalition numbers mean everything because in their line of work behind each case there's a domestic struggle, sometimes ending in death.
"These case that we deal with are intimate relationships where the male normally has the power and control and that's what happens," Joan Flail, Shelter Program Director of the Pee Dee Coalition.
As a state our numbers of domestic cases standout. According to a study, South Carolilna now ranks second in the country for the rate of women murdered by men.
"It's very discouraging because we have been ranked number one and we dropped down to number six for so long," Flail said.
Within the past year Florence County deputies have investigated three domestic cases ending in death--one case was in Timmonsville, one in Florence, and the other was in Scranton. In all three cases men were charged with the female's murder.
"I think victims need to understand the legality of the relationships they're in that it can result in death," Flail said.
In the Pee Dee Flail said our numbers continue to rank as one of the highest in the state.
One thing Flail said that can help bring them down is awareness---knowing that there is help and knowing what could happen if you don't seek it.
October kicks off Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Anyone that is in a domestic situation and needs help can call the Pee Dee Coalition 24 hour crisis line at 1-800-273-1820.
They also have a shelter available.
In Horry and Georgetown counties you can contact the Citizens Against Spousal Abuse.
They also have a 24 hour hotline, that number is 843-448-6206.
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