October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For this year's observance, an outdoor rally will be held on October 11 at Westlake Center Park in downtown Seattle. The rally starts at 11:50 a.m. and participants will be calling attention to the presence of domestic violence in the community and highlighting the coordinated response of community programs and the criminal justice system.

The theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is: "Team Up Against Domestic Violence."

King County Executive Ron Sims, King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will speak at Tuesday's rally. All three are co-chairs of the King County Domestic Violence Council, which has developed a coordinated response to domestic violence in King County. Linda Olsen, Executive Director of the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, will also be speaking at the rally. The event will be emceed by KING-TV news anchor Lori Matsukawa.

At Tuesday's rally, the King County Prosecutor's Office will be recognizing two local law enforcement officers who have done outstanding work in the area of domestic violence investigations.

Detective Jim Beleford of the King County Sheriff's Office and Officer Mark Brown of the Kirkland Police Department will be receiving the Law Enforcement Professionalism Award. This annual award for excellence is presented to law enforcement officers who handle domestic violence cases.

Numerous information booths from public and private agencies will be set up at the rally for people who are interested in learning more about area programs or are interested in volunteering with organizations that assist victims of domestic violence.

Dated: October 7, 2005