According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, 25 percent of women, or 1 in 4 women has experienced domestic violence in relationships. Because of the statistics, one local organization wants to offer help through educational solutions.

The Sabra Sanctuary, a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center, will hold a one-day symposium Thursday, Oct. 13 beginning at 8 a.m. inside the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center, to inform and educate the public on such topics as domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and human trafficking.

Program director and prevention educator Sabrah Agee said the symposium is all about education.

“Education is key to ending domestic violence  — the more we do it (educate) the better,” Agee said. “We target nurses, doctors, survivors, social workers, mental health workers etc … we do this as a community service … anybody can come.”

Happening for nearly 15 years, Agee said the symposium offers continuing education credits and legal education credits to social workers, attorneys and police officers who attend.

Agee said the agency tries to discuss different topics each year. The event so far, Agee said, has received positive responses.

“We have people come from out of town and also we have repeat attendees who get something from it,” Agee said. “People always enjoy coming. It gives people a better understanding of what’s going on. We try to educate them in ways on how to handle things at the office, what to look for and we give info out about human trafficking, which a lot of people don’t know about.”

As a prevention educator, Agee said she also brings such topics as domestic violence, bullying and safe/healthy relationships into the schools.

“I start with Pre-K,” Agee said. “We do multi sections over and over again. Some teachers have noticed a difference in their students … the earlier we get to the children the better they are.”

Registration for the event is going on now. The deadline to register is Oct. 5 and will cost $65 and includes a box lunch, snacks and educational pamphlets. To register, call 877-4384 to receive a registration form through fax, email or mail. For individuals who register after Oct. 5 there will be a $75 fee.