photo by flickr user Topkea & Shawnee County Public Library

Update September 28, 2012: The Center for Women and Children, a facility housed in the former CASA property, will open soon, addressing the need for women and children in spousal abuse situations.  

The City of Myrtle Beach is turning over in $50,000 in outside agency funding that was slated to go to CASA before it closed.  The facility can hold 24 people and has been renovated.  You can read more in this Sun News story.

First report: Our other local media has done a great job covering the recent SLED investigation regarding state grant money spent by Citizens Against Spousal Abuse (CASA).  The headlines today, though, are about the clients they help and what's ahead for them.

CASA's safe houses, residential facilities that took in women and children in dangerous domestic situations while assisting them in finding other arrangements, jobs, and services, are closed.  The residents have been relocated.  Those using the services provided by CASA are being pointed towards Hory County's victim advocates.  Those calling in need of immediate assistance may find themselves with few options.

The Sun News shared some startling domestic violence statistics here.  The most profound, in my opinion, is that South Carolina ranks number seven in the nation for the number of women killed by men.  It's never been ranked lower than tenthe.  The director of CASA was a victim, herself.  That's why the cause is so near and dear to her heart. 

While there is no similar alternative to the services provided by CASA, there are programs to help until it is back up and running or another organization takes its place. 

• South Carolina Department of Social Services domestic violence information
• Horry County Victims' Services information

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233