COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state's domestic violence laws will be strengthened under a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Mark Sanford.

"Protecting people from violence in their own homes is critical to advancing quality of life in South Carolina," Sanford said. "I also want to make it perfectly clear that this is just a start. This administration will be working with advocacy groups and the Legislature this coming session to see what else we can do to reduce the frequency and escalation of criminal domestic violence in our state."

South Carolina has ranked top in the nation in homicides resulting from domestic violence.

Under the new law, high and aggravated criminal domestic violence is raised from a misdemeanor to a felony, and attempted high and aggravated criminal domestic violence is classified in the same category. Previously, attempted criminal domestic violence was classified as simple assault.

The law requires third-time repeat offenders to serve a minimum of 90 days in prison. Judges also are given discretion to mandate counseling for first and second time offenders.