The Next Step, an organization working to prevent domestic violence and provide victim services, has several events scheduled in October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

. Oct. 2: The Next Step will participate in a run-walk to end abuse in Blue Hill.

. Oct. 5: The organization will host an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. at its Machias office on Main Street and is seeking sponsors from the community.

. Oct. 13: The Next Step will take part in the Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day at the Harrington Health Center.

. Oct. 16: The group will collaborate with several volunteers and agencies to host walks in Machias, Calais, Lubec and Perry. Each walk will begin at 11 a.m. For information on the walks, call 454-0472.

. Oct. 17: An art and activism show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Calais City Hall, displaying artwork of all kinds, either created by survivors of domestic abuse or works expressing a sentiment or understanding about the problem of domestic abuse.

Throughout the month, The Next Step also will be setting up displays at libraries and other locations including the University of Maine at Machias.