BENNETTSVILLE — The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault (PDC) hosted its third Riders Against Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness event on Saturday, drawing riders, law enforcement, and community partners together in a powerful show of unity and support.
The biannual event takes place each April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM), and again in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a countywide tradition that residents look forward to each year.
The Riders event was originally inspired by Queens on 3’s, a group of Can-Am women riders from Marlboro County who wanted to bring greater awareness of sexual violence and child abuse within their community. Through their connections with motorcycle and slingshot clubs in neighboring counties, the awareness ride expanded into what is now a widely supported regional event.
“This riders’ event has become a highlight in April as well as October,” said Katrina Taylor Stephens, Marlboro County Services Coordinator. “Community partnerships demonstrate that we are trying to build relationships to create a safer community.”
The ride began in Blenheim and traveled through Clio, McColl, Tatum, Wallace, and ended in Bennettsville, escorted by the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and the Bennettsville Police Department. The procession not only brought visibility to the cause but also symbolized unity across municipalities throughout the county.
This year’s ride also served as a fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Pee Dee Coalition’s Marlboro County victim services, which provide advocacy and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
At the conclusion of the ride, Chief Deputy Larry Turner, along with deputies and detention staff from the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, sponsored a meal for participants featuring chicken bog and refreshments on the courthouse lawn. Bennettsville Police Chief Sammy Crosland and several police officers were also in attendance, showing continued law enforcement support for the Coalition’s mission.
Thirty riders representing six motorcycle and slingshot clubs participated in the event, including:
· Queens on 3’s (Marlboro/Dillon)
· MC Xplicit Ryders (Laurinburg, NC)
· Kings for Life (Bennettsville)
· Kuntry Slings (Laurinburg, NC)
· Tru Ryders (Hartsville)
· Nu Ryders MC (Darlington)
Also riding in support were Jacqueline Wright and Lynn Brown, a former Pee Dee Coalition volunteer, who joined the lineup in a yellow 2001 Convertible Thunderbird.
The continued growth of the Riders events reflects the community’s commitment to addressing sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence—and to standing with survivors.
Pee Dee Coalition’s mission centers on providing victim-centered, trauma-informed care, allowing individuals to seek help in a way that feels safest for them.
Additional April SAAM/CAPM Events
Marlboro County Pee Dee Coalition
· April 16, 2026 Spill the Teal Caresouth 30380 Hwy 15-401 Bypass, McColl, SC
· April 23, 2026 2PM-4PM Niah’s Lemonade Stand 108 S. Parsonage Street, Bennettsville, SC
· April 29, 2026 Denim & Pearls Day Marlboro County Government & Community Partners
· April 30, 2026 11AM Panel Discussion: Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren 210 E. Main Street, Bennettsville, SC
Pee Dee Coalition 24/7 Crisis Line is 1-800-273-1820.
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