Pee Dee Coalition urges Awareness, Prevention
Throughout April, the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault is raising awareness across the Pee Dee Region in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Through community events, educational outreach, prevention programming, and visual awareness campaigns, the Coalition is calling attention to the urgent need for prevention while also supporting victims, children, and families throughout the community it serves.
This year, the Pee Dee Coalition’s theme for the month is “Every story matters. Every voice counts.” The theme encourages survivors to share their stories, reminds the community that every voice deserves to be heard, and reinforces the importance of believing survivors. As the Coalition marks both awareness months, it is urging communities across the Pee Dee to listen, support and stand with those affected by sexual assault and child abuse.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month has roots in survivor-led activism and prevention movements that grew nationally over decades. The teal ribbon became the symbol of sexual violence awareness after advocates and coalitions adopted teal as the movement’s color, and today it used to show solidarity with survivors and a commitment to prevention.
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been recognized nationally each April since 1983. The pinwheel garden has become one of the most visible symbols of the movement, representing the healthy, safe and happy childhood every child deserves.
Throughout April, pinwheel gardens will be displayed across the Pee Dee as a reminder that every community has a role in protecting children and strengthening families.
During April, the Pee Dee Coalition will host and support events across the Pee Dee Region to engage the public, honor survivors, promote child safety, and encourage prevention-focused action. Community members are encouraged to take part in several national observances throughout the month, including Wear Teal Day on April 7 in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Go Blue Day on April 10 for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Blue Sunday on April 26, when churches and communities are encouraged to wear blue with their “Sunday best” in support of child abuse prevention, and Denim Day on April 29, when people wear denim to stand with survivor and raise awareness about victim blaming. A full list of local events can be found on the organization’s calendar at www.peedeecoalition.org/calendar-of-events .
“April is a time to raise awareness, but it is also a time to take action,” said Denine Mitchell, Sexual Assault Program Director for the Pee Dee Coalition. “Every story matters. Every voice counts. By raising awareness through teal campaigns, pinwheel gardens, and events across the Pee Dee, we hope to encourage conversations that lead to safer homes and healthier communities, and to remind survivors that they deserve to be heard and believed.”
In 2025, Pee Dee Coalition served 871 sexual assault victims, responded to 771 crisis line calls, and assisted with 260 requests for orders of protection. In child abuse response efforts, the Coalition handled 1,644 cases, conducted 972 forensic interviews, and provided 708 medical exams.
These numbers underscore the importance of prevention, education, and community support year-round. Across the Pee Dee Region, the Pee Dee Coalition provides ongoing outreach and prevention programming. In 2025, the Coalition held 314 community education presentations reaching 10,885 attendees and 69 prevention presentations reaching 2,069 attendees focused on sexual assault awareness, along with 79 community education presentations reaching 4,065 attendees and 162 prevention presentations reaching 7,030 students, focused on child abuse prevention. As a volunteer organization, the Pee Dee Coalition continues this work through the generous support of donors and community partners whose contributions make it possible to sustain vital services, outreach, and prevention efforts.
The number of victims, children, and families served across the region demonstrates why prevention education, early intervention, and community support remain so important. Community members are encouraged to participate in April awareness events and learn more about the resources available through the Pee Dee Coalition.
Pee Dee Coalition serves Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, Williamsburg, Chesterfield, and Sumter counties, with Sumter County served through Durant Children’s Center. The organization operates crisis centers in seven counties, excluding Sumter, as well as four Durant Children’s Center locations in Florence, Hartsville, Kingstree, and Sumter. Pee Dee Coalition also operates an Emergency Safe Shelter in Florence and the New Beginnings Transitional Shelter in Wallace.
For more information, visit www.peedeecoalition.org .