South Carolina Faces Alarming Strangulation Spike

Strangulation incidents have surged dramatically in the Pee Dee region, with current reports already surpassing last year's total. Within a recent 30-day period, 19 cases were reported, and October is expected to see even higher figures.

This alarming trend emerges as South Carolina remains the only state without a law specifically classifying strangulation as a crime. Experts warn that victims of strangulation face a nearly 800 percent increased risk of homicide. Data indicates that between 2025 and 2026, reported cases more than doubled, with victims ranging from 17 to 80 years old.

Advocates stress the urgency for community action, noting that strangulation can lead to severe, life-altering complications, including delayed stroke, even without visible injuries. Without a dedicated tracking system or legal framework, the state struggles to address this pervasive issue, potentially endangering lives and contributing to South Carolina's reputation as a dangerous state.