One in three females and one in six males in the Pee Dee region will be the victims of some type of sexual abuse. And those are the cases that are reported. It is estimated that only one-third of the actual assaults are ever reported.
Child abuse is a preventable problem. It is time for the community to step up and fight back to protect the future generation. It takes a village to ensure that children have every chance to be healthy and safe in their own homes and communities. Learn the signs and symptoms. If you suspect that someone you know is being victimized, tell someone. If you yourself or your own child has been victimized, you now have a safe place to turn.
The Pee Dee Coalition’s Durant Children’s Center new satellite location in Hartsville anticipates handling more than 300 forensic medical interviews within the next year, and that doesn’t include counseling appointments for prior victims. Those should reach 500 next year. The staff has been averaging three children a day just in the last three weeks.
The communities within the Fourth Judicial Circuit have come together to make this necessary child advocacy center a reality. Now, let’s make sure we not only treat the children who are affected by abuse, but learn how to educate people in order to protect these children from the beginning.
The Durant Children’s Center of Hartsville will celebrate its grand opening from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday with an open house. The Center is winding up the “Plant A Seed of Hope” campaign with a strong finish but will need ongoing donations and volunteers. To make a donation, contact Pat West at (843) 332-4954 or contact Sharon Moon at (843) 861-6700 for volunteer information.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement