CHESTEFIELD — The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault has been serving Chesterfield County for 20 years and will hold its celebration anniversary on Apr. 20 at Brady’s Restaurant in Cheraw.

The Pee Dee Coalition is a non-profit, volunteer supported organization dedicated to the reduction of rape, family violence, and child abuse and meeting the needs of victims. The Coalition is one of 15 domestic violence programs and 16 rape crisis centers in South Carolina and is the only organization that addresses all three of the interpersonal violence issues identified above.

The Pee Dee Coalition was organized in 1986 and has expanded to include seven counties — Florence, Darlington,Marion, Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon, and Williamsburg. Satellite centers are located in each of these counties where services are available at any time of the day or night.

Current Chesterfield County Board members are Marcia Butler, Doris Xavier, Betty Barrett, Mary Mumford, Sammy Quick, Larrie Foster, Sam Carver, Jimmie Williamson and Bron Long.

“We want these crimes to end and that is why we are here, to serve the communities and help each victim and family that we can,” said Executive Director Ellen Hamilton. “Chesterfield County and Cheraw have always been very supportive of the Pee Dee Coalition. When we began in Florence, we realized how risky it was to venture out into other parts like Chesterfield but we did it and we are here to serve the communities and its victims to the best of our ability

Hamilton gives much of credit for the organization’s success to donors and volunteers.

‘We could have never gotten this far without all of those who have supported us over the years,” Hamilton said.

Contact the Chesterfield chapter of the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse at 843-623-7364.