To raise awareness for Domestic Violence, many organizations are hosting events to spread awareness.

In Gordon County, the Domestic Violence Outreach office is hosting the inaugural, "Walk a mile in her shoes," Saturday.

The event hopes to bring out top leaders in the community to complete a mile march through town in high heeled shoes, according to Beth Peters, Outreach Coordinator.

Teams as well as individuals may sign up to participate in the walk, and teams may work to get sponsorships to help raise money to go towards client services right here in Gordon County.

“Every year, domestic violence affects thousands of Georgia families. Through strong collaboration with other Gordon county agencies and law enforcement officials, our office is working to end domestic violence in Gordon County,” said Peters. “We feel every Gordon County child has a right to grow up in a violence free home. We are hopeful this event will heighten awareness of this very important issue.”

For more information, contact 706-625-5586, to see how to get involved.

Additionally, members of the Planning Committee for the Sixth Annual Domestic Violence Conference have announced the event will be held Oct. 19 at Dalton State College.

Topics ranging from the mental health needs of abuse survivors to healthy teen relationships will be covered at Dalton State College.

The annual conference is sponsored this year by the Conasauga Family Violence Alliance, Dalton State College Department of Social Work, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Inc., the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Amedisys.

“We are very proud of the excellent reputation this conference has gained over the years,” said Dr. Lynne Cabe of the Conference Planning Committee.

Designed to “provide information and training to professionals, community organizations, faith communities, and families in order to increase understanding of domestic violence victimization,” the conference attracts helping professionals and others interested in the problem of domestic violence from across the northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee region.

“We want to dispel myths relating to domestic violence and assist conference attendees in effectively identifying and responding to domestic violence in their own families and communities,” said Dr. Cabe.

Cost of the daylong conference is $35 (includes lunch) for those who register before Oct. 17; after that date, it will be $45 and will not include lunch. For registration information, go to http:// dvconferencedsc.eventbrite.com/ or call 706-270-5130 with any questions.