While stories like the alleged domestic violence case of pop stars Chris Brown and Rihanna grab headlines, every day, right here in Anson County, hundreds of women quietly suffer at the hands of husbands or boyfriends. In many cases, they refuse to leave or even tell the police the truth about what's going on.

One of our front-page articles this week deals with a rare success story. Thanks to a caring Anson County sheriff's deputy, a woman who had been abused is out of the situation, in counseling, and her former significant other is facing no fewer than five felony charges in relation to the case.

Unfortunately, the defendant in this case will probably spend no more than five years in jail, Deputy J.R. Horne said, if he's even convicted. Domestic violence cases are historically difficult to prosecute.

They are made even more difficult because many times, the victims refuse to press charges. All too often, they make excuses.

We've all heard them— "Oh, I made him too angry." "I just fell down the stairs." "It won't happen again."

Love truly can be blind. It can even blind someone to the fact that they could be killed by a boyfriend or husband. No love is worth being physically hurt. And if he truly did love you, he would never hurt you in that way.

It can be baffling to those of us outside the situation. Why do these women stay? Why is it rumored that Chris Brown and Rihanna have reunited, and some tabloids say, even secretly gotten married? How could she take this man back after, according to the L.A. Times, he "shoved Rihanna's head against the window of the car. He then began punching her with his right hand while he steered the car with his left." And that's just part of the story. He's also reported to have bitten, choked and threatened her.

So, how could she take him back? As the victim-turned-survivor of domestic violence said in a statement, "it's funny how someone you love can break your heart and you still love them with all the little pieces."

Fortunately for this Anson County woman, she realized her life was worth more than her abusive relationship.

But there are still so many more that are stuck in this destructive cycle. Half of all injuries presented by women in emergency rooms are due to physical abuse. Almost half—40 percent— of the women murdered in this country are killed by husbands or boyfriends. But there is a way to stop it.

The Anson County Domestic Violence Coaltion is one way. (Their 24-hour crisis line is 704-690-0362.) There are also family members, friends, church families, counselors... whoever you feel most comfortable with, tell them. Don't stay a silent victim and become a statistic. Because, in the end, there really is no excuse.