The kick-off event will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at the center’s office, 206 N. Dillard St,. and will focus on the theme of “Every Child Deserves a Safe Home.”

Guests will have an opportunity to hear a speech from Rowell, who will share her story about how domestic violence shaped her childhood and led to her placement in foster care. Rowell will provide guests with a gripping first-hand account of how domestic violence affects children.

The center will also feature a silent display at the event, titled “Empty Place at the Table,” to commemorate individuals in the community who have lost their lives due to domestic violence related murderers.

A new feature to the display will be a children’s table, in honor of the five children who died last year in Durham County due to domestic violence.

“We regularly have children who come to stay in our shelter and thank us for providing them with a safe and peaceful place to sleep,” said director of shelter services Alma Davis. “I can only imagine the violent and stressful environments many kids in our community call home. This kick-off event will bring attention to not only the horrors of domestic violence, it will also highlight it from a child’s perspective.”

The center works with the community to end domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education, support and prevention.

Last year alone, it provided non-residential services to 414 domestic violence victims in Durham County, responded to almost 4,000 crisis line calls and provided shelter to 192 women and children.