ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) - One St. Louis based organization is trying a new approach to preventing domestic violence.

Every Step Counts has been around since 2006, and founder Madeline Long-Gill says it’s all about self esteem.

“At the core of abuse is power and control,” she says.

So higher self esteem helps people recognize when a relationship is unhealthy and how to get out of it. And it happens more often than you might think. She says national numbers are close to 1 in 4 people experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime. During poor economic times, that number can be as high as 1 in 3. But she says in St. Louis, we’re doing better.

“But we still have to promote awareness,” she says.

So to do that they’re hosting their second annual 5k in Forrest park on Saturday. The Steps That Count 5k features not just a run/walk, but also Zumba.

“And we are pet friendly,” Long-Gill said.

She says part of the goal is to build a community that women feel safe in, so that if they are in trouble, or know someone who is, they know where they can get help.

For more information on the 5K or the organization, visit their website.