October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Birmingham City Council wants to be part of the effort to create change. Love Doesn’t Hurt: A Relationship Violence Awareness Seminar is an event aimed towards educating people about domestic violence and the impact that it can have on individuals and families.  Council Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman is hosting the event, in partnership with the YWCA, the Megan Montgomery Foundation, One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, and Kennan Walay — a Professional Kickboxer and Martial Arts Instructor who will be offering techniques aimed at self-defense, threat neutralization, and situational awareness.

According to national statistics, on average nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States — and over the course of a year, this totals up to more than 10 million men and women.  This is an educational seminar for everyone — young and old, male and female, LGBTQ and straight.  We hope that you will make plans to join us.