DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW) – In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Pee Dee Coalition and House of Refuge held the fourth annual ‘Remember My Name March’.
Over one hundred people attended including: Darlington Mayor Gloria Hines and the Coker College Women’s Basketball team to march and to spread awareness of domestic violence.
Four different organizations: Pee Dee Coalition, House of Refuge, the Naomi Project, and Empowered to Heal, came together. The organizations partnered to let victims in a violent relationship know that they are not alone– there is support and way out.
Pamela Prince, Pee Dee Coalition Coordinator and Advocate said, “We are trying to spread awareness about domestic violence. It is taking all of us to come together to get these numbers down.”
Prince explained although the numbers of women murdered by men are down in the state of South Carolina this year. They want to get the number down to zero.
Tonya Flowers, Founder of the House of Refuge in Darlington shared her story of leaving an abusive relationship. She says the House of Refuge focuses on helping women gain independence.
Mary Celeste- Barron, a domestic violence survivor explained how important it is to end violence against women.
Celeste- Barron said, “I know women are scared to talk about it, like I was. I pray to God that if any woman is in an abusive relationship, please come forward. So you can get out. There is help out there for you. Take it from me it’s time to fight back.”
Pee Dee coalition: (843) 669-4694
House of Refuge: (843) 646- 3214
Naomi Project: (843) 615-1548
Empowered to Heal: (843)779- 5638
