MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, for a fifth year, a non-profit is walking to raise awareness about the issue that's plagued so many in the Mid-South. "It started for me at the age of 16," said Ponya Dodson, the CEO and Founder of Beauty Beyond the Scars. From victim to victory, Ponya Dodson is using her domestic violence story to reach others. "Had I not gone through that, I would not be the person that I am on today," Dodson said. "So, at the end of the day, there was purpose through my pain." Toys for Tots ‘in dire need’ of help this Christmas For the fifth year, her organization Beauty Beyond the Scars hosted its "I Survived It" Walk-a-Thon against Domestic Violence. "We've been praying and all the things because we know that lives are going to be changed by this walk," Dodson. She said her organization is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence by providing information to the public while also offering assistance to those still fighting. "I Survived It" Walk-a-Thon against Domestic Violence."I Survived It" Walk-a-Thon against Domestic Violence"I Survived It" Walk-a-Thon against Domestic Violence"I Survived It" Walk-a-Thon against Domestic Violence "If they need counseling right?  We help them," Dodson said. "If they need an escape route or knowing what they need to do, we just be there for them. Sometimes just a listening ear." She said Saturday's walk celebrates survivors while honoring those who've lost their lives. According to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, his office handled more than 4,000 domestic violence cases this year including eight homicides. "This is about helping to change a life but not only change, but helping to save a life as well," Dodson said. Could shelter dogs help keep inmates from coming back to prison? Dodson said her goal is to educate the public on the issue and how they can help the next person before it's too late. "You have to be there for one. You have to be a listener. Don't be judgmental because a lot of people are judgmental when it comes to domestic violence, but you don't understand what's keeping them there," Dodson said." "So, be that listener. Be that advocate for them." If you or someone you know is in a domestic situation, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.