October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, along with HOPE Family Services, is hosting a free seminar on how to recognize domestic violence on Tuesday, October 3, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave, Bradenton, FL, in the Jury Assembly Room on the 2nd floor. How to Recognize Domestic Violence is an event aimed at empowering the community to become strong advocates against domestic violence. Each year, thousands of women, men, and children in Florida are impacted by domestic violence. Since 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been dedicated to acknowledging survivors and heightening awareness of the services available to help protect individuals affected by domestic violence issues. The event’s speakers include domestic violence experts, law enforcement, and public officials who will shine a light on what domestic violence is, the court process, and where to access resources safely. The event not only empowers the mind, but the body as well with a one-hour self-defense demonstration by Olivera Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Academy. In the last fiscal year, ending on September 30, 2022, the Clerk & Comptroller’s office processed nearly 1,000 injunction applications. HOPE Family Services provides services to survivors of domestic violence and helps them stay safe, gain strength, and evaluate their options. All services provided by HOPE are confidential and free. By the end of this event, attendees will leave with the valuable information needed for themselves and their neighbors, friends, and family to live a violent-free life. For more information and to register, visit https://recognize-domestic-violence-oct-3.eventbrite.com or contact the Clerk’s Public Information Office by phone at (941) 741-4007.