Warning signs of domestic violence

While police investigate the shooting deaths of a Mt. Gilead newlywed couple, the family of the female victim is asking in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Citizens Against Spouse Abuse. Police have reason to believe it was murder-suicide.

That prompted us to contact Citizens Against Spouse Abuse, Executive Director, JoAnne Patterson. Patterson says domestic violence is more common than
people realize. She says while 90 percent of the victims are female, males are victims too.

Patterson says there are domestic violence warning signs. If your spouse or partner is obsessive, jealous, or demonstrates controlling behavior, you are in a bad relationship. The controlling behavior can include anything from monitoring financials, dictating the way you dress, restricting your freedom, or isolating you from family and friends. Patterson says when your partner becomes your only source for everything, you are in a controlling relationship that often leads up to a tragic ending.

Patterson says teenagers also need to be aware of the warning signs. She says a boy or girl that calls or texts someone all day long is not normal. This is also obsessive behavior.

Patterson says the biggest warning sign is a process of control that has evolved over time. One of the most dangerous times is when a woman says she's going to leave her partner. This act leaves the offender going to drastic measures to do whatever it takes to keep the woman from leaving.

While agencies like CASA keep up with the number of murder-suicide cases in the area, Patterson says they don't have a true, accurate reading of murder-suicide/domestic problems because there are no charges drawn. It's not recorded as a domestic violence situation.

If you live in Horry County or surrounding area, CASA is available to help you with a safety plan if you're in a violent situation and want to leave. There is no charge. The number to call is the CASA crisis line at 843-448-6206. CASA's address is Citizens Against Spouse Abuse, P.O. Box 912, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578.

If you live in Florence County or surrounding area, you can call the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault 24 Hour Crisis Line at
1-800-273-1820 or 843-669-4600.

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