On October 23, the Shelter for Abused Women and Children held their annual awareness event to help stop the 1 in 3 women that have experienced domestic violence during their lifetime. Domestic abuse costs in excess to 4.1 billion dollars for medical and mental health. This event took place at the Immokalee Sports Center where the fence and a path were filled with signs proclaiming “Step out domestic violence”, and “Hands are for loving, not hitting”. Several vendors, including The Children’s Hospital, Collier County Code enforcement, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Library, Bikers Against Domestic Abuse, and a few others, had tables with information about resources available to victims of domestic violence. Besides having the vendors, they offered games for the children such as coloring contests, three legged races, a giant slide, and potato sack races. They also offered free food. At the peak of the commemoration, doves were released symbolizing peace, an attribute that victims of domestic violence yearn for. Anyone who is a victim or knows of a victim can contact the shelter’s 24 hour crisis line at 239-775-1101.