They came to the State House grounds yesterday to raise awareness about domestic violence.

“We’re here to make noise,” said Vicki Bourus, executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

“Domestic violence is not a crime of passion. It is a behavior born out of a need for control.”

Wednesday’s rally, attended by about 75 people, came after comments Rep. John Graham Altman made last week that questioned why battered women return to their abusers.

Altman made the comments after he was asked why the House Judiciary Committee would kill a bill increasing penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders, while passing a bill creating tougher penalties for cockfighting.

Equipped with a sign that read, “Thank you John Altman for bringing much needed attention to domestic violence,” Stacey Rowlette, a Sistercare volunteer, said this controversy might be the vehicle to get more people concerned about the issue.

“This is bringing attention to a much needed topic, especially in South Carolina,” she said.

Many speakers noted the state ranks among the worst in the country for domestic violence.

Cheryl Seohl, a domestic violence survivor, spoke for the thousands who cannot speak for themselves.

“I understand the terror and fear of leaving,” said Seohl, who said she lived for 10 years with someone who was abusive and controlling.

“We do not need any more victim blaming. We need laws with teeth,” she said.

Concerned about the effects domestic violence has on women and their families, USC student Meagan Davis attended the rally to continue following the issue.

“I found it shocking that they passed cockfighting but tabled this issues,” she said. “I don’t understand how chickens can have more rights than a human being.”

Many attending the rally said what some people tend to forget is that domestic violence is more than physical — it is also emotional and verbal.

“We must send a clear message that violence is unacceptable,” first lady Jenny Sanford told the crowd. “We can’t afford to allow this to happen any longer.”

State Attorney General Henry McMaster told those at the rally that although stiffer laws are needed, answers to this problem exist with individuals.

McMaster suggested people can assist victims by volunteering at shelters, counseling victims, and donating clothing.

“I believe if we stay committed, we can make it happen.”

Reach Jackson at (803) 771-8512 or scjackson@thestate.com.