Domestic violence is a national epidemic that affects families across the nation, even right here in North Platte.

The Community Domestic Violence Intervention Program (CDVIP) will host its 8th Annual Community Awareness Luncheon on Thursday, October 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte.

Organizers say the luncheon coincides with the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is October.

In addition to the luncheon, the CDVIP will also host the Handbag of Hope Auction.  New and gently used purses will be on a silent auction both before and after the luncheon.

All proceeds from the luncheon and the silent auction directly benefit the CDVIP, which serves Lincoln County and Western Nebraska.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Tickets are $15, and must be purchased in advance.

To purchase tickets, contact Tony Folk at 308-534-5879, or stop by the CDVIP office at 102 East 3rd Street, Suite 204.

This year’s keynote speakers are Great Plains Health Director of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Jim Smith, Kathy Borque and Keri Fisher.

The event is sponsored, in part, by Verizon.