In April, the Pee Dee Coalition recognizes both Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month to encourage families and surrounding communities to work together toward prevention.
Through the efforts of the Coalition’s month long in-person and virtual events, it is necessary for the organization to present awareness tips to continue the mission of developing a safer and more compassionate place to live for all residents of the Pee Dee Region.
Pee Dee Coalition’s Satellite Centers across the region have organized an activities calendar for the entire month of April that are free and open to the public.
The calendar of events is available on its website.
What to know about both issues
Child abuse
- April 1983 was proclaimed as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM).
- Aside from the physical injuries of child abuse, this issue can also be linked to psychological and behavior consequences that can result to low self-esteem which can link to high-risk behaviors such as substance abuse.
- 15,980 children were in founded investigations this year of child abuse and neglect according to Children’s Trust of SC.
- 62% of South Carolina adults reported an adverse experience as a child.
- In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse American introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol because it connotes playfulness, joy, and childhood.
- 92% of SA victims knew their offender.
Sexual assault
- April 2001 the National Sexual Violence Resource Center coordinated the first national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
- 3,536 new primary survivors of sexual assault sought services from a rape crisis center.
- Sexual violence can be committed without the knowledge of the person harmed.
- Power, in its many forms, is the root causeof sexual assault.
- Some forms of sexual violence may not be illegal, (such as sexist and sexually violent jokes, street sexual harassment, and catcalling). However, this does not make it any less threating or harmful to the person victimized.
How can you help with both issues?
Effective communication and support:
- Create a safe space for that child and/or guardian to open up without feeling judged or feel accused.
- ADVOCATE! Know and learn the signs of child abuse to identify the abuse and how to take the necessary actions.
- ROCK BLUE April 10th! April 10th is Wear Blue Day! Show your support for preventing child abuse and neglect.
- Provide a outlet that will support the victim’s well-being by being patient with their healing process and make it clear that it is not her or his fault.
- ADVOCATE! Know and learn the signs of sexual assault to identify the abuse and how to take the necessary actions.
- April 24th is National Demin Day! Show your solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, abuse, harassment and rape.
If interested in community education events taking place near you or to speak to an advocate, please reach out to your local Satellite Center:
- Bennettsville 843-479-0882
- Chesterfield 843-623-7364
- Darlington 843-395-2748
- Dillon 843-774-0898
- Florence 843-669-4694 Hartsville 843-383-0240
- Kingstree 843-354-6481
- Lake City 843-394-8566
- Marion 843-423-6568
- 24/7 Crisis Hotline 843-669-4600 Pee Dee Parent Helpline 843-618-2420 Follow us on social media: PeeDeeCoalition
