In observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, College of the Canyons will host its annual Domestic Violence Awareness event and donation drive as the first in a month-long series of events focused on domestic violence and body image issues.

The college’s fourth annual Domestic Violence Awareness event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the COC Honor Grove, located on the college’s Valencia campus.

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The event will include two high-energy performances by the acoustic band Women on the Move, who will be appearing at the event for the fourth consecutive year. Joining Women on the Move on-stage this year is special guest artist Kelly Zirbes of the band Kelly’s Lot, who will share her own brand of energetic, heartfelt music with audiences. The live music performances are scheduled to begin at noon and 1:15 p.m.

Also included will be the annual “EVERYbody is Beautiful” student fashion show sponsored by the college’s SNAC (Student Nutrition & Wellness Advocates at COC) group, beginning at 12:45 p.m.

The event will also feature a variety of information booths presented by representatives from COC clubs and other SCV organizations with an interest in addressing the issues of domestic violence and positive body image.

“The day’s activities are intended to empower attendees to stand up against domestic violence and spread awareness in the community about this important issue,” said Connie Tripp, COC history instructor and one of the event organizers.

Attendees will also be invited to decorate a T-shirt in the name of a victim or survivor of domestic violence to be included as part of the college’s ongoing Clothesline Project display. Clothesline Project pins will be on sale at the event at a cost of $10 ($5 for students). All proceeds will benefit the national Clothesline Project (CLP) program, which addresses issues surrounding violence against women.

Event organizers will also be collecting dry and canned food items, diapers, baby wipes and other toiletries, along with cash and gift cards, to be donated to the SCV Child and Family Center.

Closing out the day’s events will be a special presentation from Lori Bauer, marriage and family therapist, SCV Child and Family Center, about the “Signs and Cycle of Domestic Violence,” from 2 to 3 p.m. in Mentry Hall, Room 343.

As a continuation of this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness event, this fall the college will also present the ongoing lecture series listed below:

·      “Legal Issues Surrounding Domestic Violence”

Bob Brode, chair, COC Administration of Justice department

2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19

Mentry Hall, Room 343

·      “Recovery From Domestic Violence”

Dr. Darlene Mininni, author of the book “The Emotional Toolkit”

2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27

Mentry Hall, Room 343

·      “Nourishing Your Body From the Inside Out”

Registered dieticians McKenzie Hall and Lisa Dixon

2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

Mentry Hall, Room 343

For more information about the College of the Canyons Domestic Violence Awareness event and ongoing lecture series please contact Connie Tripp at (661) 362-5931.