In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force in conjunction with Ohio University Southern is hosting an event on Oct. 6 to honor domestic violence victims and raise awareness about domestic violence.

The event will provide information on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and look for warnings that indicate abuse might happen.

“It’s very educational,” said Elaine Payne, director of LCDVTF. “I think it’s very important to have these types of programs.”

Payne said that domestic abuse can cause both physical and emotional harm and has an impact on people of various age groups.

“It trickles down to children in the home,” said Payne.

While she said that abuse happens in Lawrence County, Payne said people don’t always recognize it.

“I think a lot of people aren’t aware of the signs,” said Payne.

A balloon release and a candlelight vigil during the program will honor those who have experienced domestic violence.

“The whole program is to honor victims (and survivors),” said Payne.

During the program, the Paramount Players will provide entertainment and a speaker from the Attorney General’s office will speak about domestic violence.

“It’s going to be a nice program,” said Payne.

The program will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the Bowman Auditorium at Ohio University Southern-Ironton.