Area Leaders Hope to Break Cycle of Domestic Violence

South Carolina is No. 2.

Unfortunately, it's not a ranking for which the state or its leaders want to be recognized.The Violence Policy Center released data Sept. 19 showing that the state is ranked the second highest in the country for domestic violence homicides.

Monday was a day of reflection for Upstate Congressman Trey Gowdy (R, SC-4).

As Gowdy drove from Spartanburg to Greenville Monday morning, the rain and the gloominess only seemed to add to the message that he would deliver on breaking the cycle of domestic violence.

The notes Gowdy carried to the podium were laid to the side as he made a passionate appeal to those in attendance to put a face on domestic violence.

Gowdy said as he passed the exit to Greer off Interstate 85, he was reminded of a young woman who worked just a "stones throw" from where he spoke at Clemson at the Falls.

"She worked at a law firm and she decided she wanted to go to law school," Gowdy said. "Maybe she would have been a prosecutor. Maybe she could have been a judge. Maybe could have been a legislator or a member of congress. Maybe she could have been part of changing that statistical cycle where we don't have women in positions of leadership, except for the fact her husband just wouldn't allow it, so he beat her to death with a shovel. Her name was Liz Chesterman."

Chesterman, 31, a patent officer for the Greenville office of Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough, was killed May 22, 2004 at her home on Gap Creek Road in Greer. Her husband John David Chesterman pleaded guilty to murder in 2005 and is serving a 30-year sentence.

Gowdy said there aren't many streets he can drive down in Spartanburg County without some memory of a crime.

"What I would ask you to do today is to at least pick out someone and do not celebrate the person who killed them," Gowdy said. "Do not even call out their name. But celebrate the person who died."

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

According to the Center for Disease Control, one in four women and one in 13 men has experienced abuse from an intimate partner.

This month, Safe Harbor and number of organizations and agencies will partner for a month-long social media campaign to raise awareness regarding the issue of family violence and to encourage individuals, families, businesses, faith communities and organizations to join together to break the cycle.

The organizations will promote five step toward prevention of relationship violence:

1. Modeling healthy relationship behaviors at home.
2. Promoting education and awareness of healthy relationship behaviors.
3. Providing opportunities for building self-esteem, independence and empowerment.
4. Involving men in the movement for healthy relationships and supporting healthy masculinity.
5. Offering concrete intervention, resources and support for victims.

In Greenville and Pickens counties, more than 500 domestic violence cases are pending, according to the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Seeing South Carolina raised back up to the No. 2 spot in the country is disappointing to Sen. Larry Martin of Pickens.

Martin, a supporter of several domestic violence bills, said law enforcement is dealing with domestic violence issues, shelters have been established now to help victims, but one thing that needs to be done — everyone needs to participate in the active reporting of domestic violence.

A recent shows the need for family, neighbors and friends getting involved, Martin said, "It's a community issue."

"The thing I remember about that news report is the fact a neighbor knew the folks, didn't know there were any problems, but a neighbor had continually heard things, something was constantly going on," Martin said. "That shouldn't happen, calls need to be made. That major needs to get a call at the police department or the local sheriff's office.That's what it's going to take. We can pass all the laws in the world, but if it's not reported, there's not a thing that can be done."

More on Domestic Violence:

• Agencies Want to Break the Cycle on Domestic Violence
• Solicitor Wilkins: It's My Biggest Fear
• Assistant Sheriff: Victims of Domestic Violence Need to 'Get Out'
• Criminal Domestic Violence: A Survivor Speaks Up