HPD to host 5K Domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Run

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg Police Department Domestic Violence Unit and Victims Services work tirelessly to reduce the number of domestic violence cases by increasing awareness and providing support and educational events to the public.

Both the department and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter will host the 5K walk and run on October 1 at the Town Square Park.

This year's theme is, "It May Hurt To Walk Away". According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

Officials said, "In 2015 there were 296 domestic violence cases, 47 sexual assualts, and 13 incidents of stalking reported in Hattiesburg."

Lieutenant LaTosha Myers-Mitchell with HPD said, "The focus of this event is to increase awareness of domestic violence and to provide financial support to Hattiesburg's Domestic Abuse Family Shelter."

In 2015 the event raised $2,000 and the organizations hope to raise more this year.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m. and the entry fee is $20 for those who pre-register before the event and will be $25 the day of the run.