CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In the past 12 months, 38 deaths in West Virginia were domestic violence related, according to the state Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

An event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the grand ballroom at the Charleston Marriott Town Center to raise awareness about the deadly problem.

Purple Ribbon awards will be handed out to those who work to end domestic violence in West Virginia.

The Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action, Emily Chittenden Laird, director of the state Child Advocacy Network, and Sarah Brown, senior program specialist of the state Division of Justice and Community Service will be recognized.

This year's Diane Reese Advocacy Award will be presented to Lorraine Pritchard, shelter supervisor and client services coordinator for the Rape and Domestic Violence Shelter.

Reese was a team coordinator with the state Coalition Against Domestic Violence for 14 years.

Lela Coleman Crawford, found of R.A.R.E (the Restored, Annointed, Renewed, Empowered) Outreach Program will present the keynote address.