Mesa Domestic Violence Awareness Night Oct. 17 Will Honor Survivors and Victims

Mesa Domestic Violence Awareness Night Oct. 17 Will Honor Survivors and Victims

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Mesa is hosting Domestic Violence Awareness Night on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St., to honor survivors and those lost to domestic violence.

Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on individuals and families in Mesa, and this event is intended to raise awareness of that impact and to help stop violence before it occurs, said Mesa Mayor John Giles.

Arizona has the fourth largest domestic violence rate in the nation, with 43% of women and 33% of men affected in their lifetime.

Representatives from more than 25 agencies will have displays and information about domestic violence awareness, including access to resources and services for victims.

"Prosecuting domestic violence crimes and bringing justice to victims of domestic violence is a top priority in our office. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important reminder that everyone must help put an end to this problem in our community, "said City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins.

The event will include remarks from Mayor Giles; Mesa Assistant Police Chief Gina Nesbit and Memory Dawn Long Chase, Domestic Violence Response Director for SWIWC, formerly Southwest Indigenous Womens Coalition. Two family members of a Mesa domestic violence homicide victim will also speak.

The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil featuring purple candles and a performance by the Mesa Community College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear purple in solidarity with domestic violence victims.

Mesas Domestic Violence Awareness Night is hosted by the Mesa City Prosecutors Office, Mesa Police Department and Mesa Family Advocacy Center. The Mesa Family Advocacy Center brings together police, social workers, Department of Child Safety, Office of Child Welfare Investigations, prosecuting attorneys and on-site physicians who work to assist victims and help reduce the trauma of physical and sexual abuse.

For information and resources about domestic violence, visit https://www.mesaaz.gov/government/city-attorney/city-prosecutor-s-office/domestic-violence-awareness.