(COLORADO SPRINGS) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Kingdom Builders Family Life kicked off the month with a special event to honor the victims of domestic violence and provide them with resources. A proclamation signed by Governor Jared Polis designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month was on display at a kickoff event on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the Kingdom Builders Family Life Center. The event marked the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and promoted an upcoming conference to help survivors, first responders, and students hoping to pursue a career in helping advocate for victims. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Lilia Onstott Oct. 9-11, the Kingdom Builders Family Life Center will host a three-day conference aimed at changing the narrative of domestic and sexual violence, with a theme of "I Wear My Mask No More." The theme is meant to empower survivors to shed societal masks and reclaim their voices. The conference is free for survivors of domestic violence, first responders, and college students majoring in social work, human services, or criminal justice. The conference aims to address culturally specific issues surrounding domestic violence, sexual violence, childhood trauma, and systemic challenges affecting black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) communities, as well as holistic healing.  The conference will feature workshops, a keynote speaker, networking opportunities, a resource fair, and a luncheon. "We are working with some small businesses around the community to do fundraisers for Kingdom Builders Family Life Center," said Nohea March, Community Outreach and Event Coordinator with Kingdom Builders Family Life Center. "So just different ways of doing some self-care throughout the month and just putting ourselves out there, raising awareness and education." You can find more information on how to take part in the conference as a participant or sponsor by clicking the link above.