October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year's observance will begin with an outdoor rally at noon on October 1 at the Seattle City Hall Plaza ( 4 th Ave. and James Street).

The rally will call attention to domestic violence and highlight the response of the criminal justice system and community programs. The theme for the rally is: "End Domestic Violence--Reach Out and Get Involved."

In addition, two members of the criminal justice system will be given awards for their outstanding work in the area of domestic violence investigations. Each year the King County Prosecutor's Office presents the Law Enforcement Professionalism Award. The award has been renamed in honor of King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng who passed away last May.

The Norm Maleng Law Enforcement Professionalism Award will be presented to Angella Coker, Community Victim Liaison with the State Department of Corrections, and Detective David Keller of the King County Sheriff's Office.

Interim King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg will speak at Monday's rally and present the awards to Coker and Keller for their outstanding work. King County Executive Ron Sims and King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will also speak at the rally.

Dated: September 28, 2007