John Buckland of Heroes 4 Higher is guest speaker

The Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force, in collaboration with Ohio University Southern will host the eighth annual Domestic Violence Awareness Program at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Bowman Auditorium.

The program will be dedicated to Angela Bacon Shoops, who was a shelter advocate for more than 12 years.

A balloon release and candlelight vigil will be in dedication of Shoops and also to honor victims of domestic violence who have escaped living in surroundings dominated by violence in the home, to remember those who have lost their lives to reach out to those who are still suffering abuse and also to celebrate those who have survived and made new lives for themselves.

Guest speaker this year will be John Buckland, who plays Batman with Heroes 4 Higher.

“We have never had a male speaker before and after hearing his plight, we are very excited and sure you will be inspired and touched by his personal, first-hand bouts with domestic violence, sexual assault, drug abuse, theft, prison and an awakening by God to turn his life around and become Batman,” said Elaine Payne, director of the task force.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and agencies throughout the state of Ohio are planning a number of events commemorating the month.

“We would really appreciate it if the citizens of Lawrence County and surrounding areas would come out and attended this event and support the efforts of the Lawrence County Domestic Task Force in providing necessary and needed assistance to victims of domestic violence,” Payne said.