Fund-raisers and workshops throughout this month will take aim at domestic violence.

In a proclamation read yesterday by Bermuda's Town Crier Ed Christopher, October was officially named Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Events begin today with Denim against Domestic Violence Day in several Bermuda offices.

On Sunday, Partner Re will host a 5K run/walk and on October 23 there will be an evening of female impersonators organised by Sybil Barrington both of which will raise money for the Centre Against Abuse (CAA) interim Safe House.

There will also be numerous training sessions throughout the month to help teach people how to identify cases of domestic violence.

E. Laurie Shiell, Executive Director of the CAA, said: "The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was held in October 1987 and now here we are, over 20 years later continuing to deliver the message.

"There is no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighbourhoods, churches, workplaces, or schools of this community.

"We encourage you to help us help you end domestic violence in Bermuda by supporting our awareness activities, not only in October, but throughout the year."

Several events are scheduled through this month in honour of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

n October 3 — Partner Re 5K Run/Walk. Money raised by the event will go towards the Centre Against Abuse's (CAA) interim Safe House.

¦ October 6 and 7 — Health Care Professionals will be taught about screening for domestic violence

¦ October 11 through 15 — Bullying in the workplace sessions in the community.

¦ October 23 — Sybil's Dynamic International Female Impersonators. Money raised by the event will go towards the CAA interim Safe House.

¦ October 24 — Health Fair at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

¦ October 25 — Cut It Out — a programme designed to help hairdressers and barbers identify signs of domestic abuse.

¦ October 29 — Annual Gala. This year's theme is Men Standing up Against relationship Abuse.