From the City of Cambridge, Sept. 1, 2016: In observance of national Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a candlelight vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 on the steps of City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, to honor those whose lives were taken this year by domestic violence.

In addition, the city’s Domestic & Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative and Transition House will co-host a free, citywide training series about dealing with and preventing domestic violence, facilitated by expert speakers from Cambridge- and state-based programs and local nonprofits.

The series includes introductory, overview sessions Sept. 29 and Oct. 3 and a number of specialized sessions at various locations citywide. Topics include local and regional resources; domestic violence and cultural differences; Domestic violence in LGBTQI communities; the effects of abuse on children; teen dating violence; sexual assault; high risk assessment and response; substance abuse and mental health; and health and domestic violence.

Participants are expected to attend the first two sessions before attending specific workshops:

Part One of the introductory session is from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge. This session will discuss the history of domestic violence, domestic violence basics and how to work with survivors around safety planning.

Part Two is from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Annex. It will give participants an opportunity to “walk in the shoes” of a survivor and learn about local and regional anti-domestic violence resources.

Space is limited, and registration ends Sept. 19. For details, click here; contact Kara Blue by email or by calling (617) 868-1650; or register online directly by clicking here.