Every day three women are killed because of domestic violence in the United States.

One Aiken County woman who survived her abusive relationship wants others to know they can too.

Patricia Hannan keeps a binder close to her heart. What's inside? She has two years of hurt, pain, and abuse. She says carrying the proof keeps her safe.

"I always have them with me: In my home, my purse and my car," said Patricia Hannan, domestic violence victim.

Four years ago, she thought she met the man of her dreams.

"We met on a blind date. It started out as a friendship and evolved into a romantic relationship," said Hannan.

But, soon, Hannan went from being on cloud nine to living in her own worst nightmare.

"Personalities started to change. He had controlling behavior. He wanted to know where I was, who I was with. He was trying to control my finances,” said Hannan.

Hannan says all she wanted to do was keep peace between them. But after more than two years, she says she reached a point where enough was enough.

"The concern for my well being is what drives you to dial 911," said Hannan.

As she reflects on the four years, with more than a dozen incident reports and several orders of protection, Hannan believes the only way to survive is to take control.

She says victims need to tell law enforcement when they're in an abusive relationship, save all e-mails, voicemails, and text messages from their abuser, and never drop charges.

Hannan's case against her ex-boyfriend is still pending.

So far this year, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office has served 81 orders of protection and 11 restraining orders. In 2007, Deputies served more than 200 orders of protection and almost 50 restraining orders.