Matt Hamilton/Daily Citizen-NewsExecutive director Katora Printup, left, talks with Rita Garcia at the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center.

DALTON, Ga. — On any given day, an abused woman or man may walk into the Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center in Dalton seeking help. For Katora Printup, executive director of the center, keeping others safe is something she feels good about doing.

“I like knowing I can make a difference in somebody’s life,” Printup said. “We have some great success stories and knowing you had something to do with keeping people safe is a great feeling.”

The Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center provides shelter, advocacy and support to victims of domestic violence in Whitfield, Murray and Gordon counties. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the center is sponsoring events throughout the community.

On Thursday, the event “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is at Dalton State College Burran Bell Tower at noon. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per person. Men and women are invited to walk a mile in heels to help raise awareness for domestic violence.

Last year, 98 men were victims of domestic violence, according to the Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Report. Although men are not housed at the crisis center, there is an off campus location for them.

Rita Garcia, Latino community specialist for the crisis center, has planned a candlelight vigil on Oct. 13 at the Mack Gaston Community Center from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“I will talk a little bit about domestic violence,” said Garcia. “We will also remember people who lost their lives in the state of Georgia.”

From October 2016 to last month, 95 people died as a result of domestic violence, according to the Georgia Domestic Violence Fatality Report.

Garcia said she especially wants to reach out to the Hispanic community.

“When people are not legally in the country they are a little bit more afraid of what might happen to them,” she said.

Printup said the center is reaching out more in that community to let residents know help is available.

“The reason we have these events is to celebrate those that have broken free from domestic violence relationships,” Printup said. “We encourage family and friends to attend the events we have in honor of loved ones who suffered from domestic violence.”

In 2016, the center served 1,479 new clients, Printup said. The center offers services including shelter, safety planning, case management, referral services and community education. There is also a 24-hour crisis line at (800) 33-HAVEN.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events

• Thursday

11:30 a.m.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” at Dalton State College Burran Bell Tower, $10 per person, walk starts at noon.

• Friday, Oct. 13

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Candlelight vigil at the Mack Gaston Community Center.

• Saturday, Oct. 14

6 p.m.

Paint for Survivors at Painting Peeps, 1701 E. Walnut Ave., $25 per person (a portion goes to Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center).

• Wednesday, Oct. 18

Noon

Awareness Walk at the Murray County Courthouse.

• Thursday, Oct. 19

National Wear Purple Day

• Friday, Oct. 27

8 a.m.

Domestic Violence Conference at Rock Bridge Community Church.

• Friday, Nov. 3

7:30 p.m.

Dalton High School football game balloon release, Harmon Field.

For more information on any event, call the center at (706) 278-6595.