By Ellie Ritter, contributor 

Coming this October, the DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling will host a local spin on the national show “Dancing with the Stars.

On October 14, Coleman-Stribling will host “Dancing with the DeKalb Stars,” a dance competition to educate the public and to raise awareness about domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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The competition will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, located at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. to feature a Domestic Violence Awareness Expo in the lobby of the venue, the event announcement said.

Dance participants, or members of DeKalb County’s public safety, business, civic and legal communities and elected public servants, will partner with dance professionals to perform a routine. Participants will compete as local “stars” for the two awards, the “Judge’s Favorite” and “Audience Favorite,” the announcement said.

The Solicitor-General’s Office seeks to eradicate domestic violence throughout DeKalb County, talking over 3,000 cases per year, according to its website. They focus on both prosecution of any offenders as well as education and prevention.

“Our office sees the horrible effects of domestic violence,” Coleman-Stribling said. “Such devastating effects can include financial and custodial issues, emotional abuse, serious injury or even permanent disfigurement. By hosting this event, our goal is to connect with the public in a way that is both engaging and informative about the issue of domestic violence.”

Proceeds generated through ticket sales and corporate sponsorships will benefit the International Women’s House and the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.  For more information about these non-profit organizations please visit www.internationalwomenshouse.org and www.wrcdv.org.