City of Phoenix, AZ
10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 14:25
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024
One in four women and one in ten men experience domestic violence in some form during their lifetime, be it sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence Survey.
Every October, the City of Phoenix initiates the Paint Phoenix Purple campaign to help spread awareness and tips to prevent domestic violence and support and resources for victims and survivors. The campaign is a local collaboration of more than 50 community, private and public organizations to educate, create activities, and support services for victims like workshops on recognizing signs of abuse, and support groups for survivors, along with community events.
Many times, it is difficult to know where to find help if you or a loved one are in a domestic violence situation. Advocacy Centers, like the City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center (FAC), provide many services to victims and their families including Orders of Protection, medical examinations and documentation, child protective services, victim advocacy and crisis counseling.
Michelle De Alba, a Victim Advocate at the Phoenix FAC, said knowing what resources are available to victims can sometimes be the first step to getting help. "Our role is not to tell them what to do," De Alba said. "It's just to meet them where they're at and then give them options."
Victim Advocates work with victims of domestic violence crimes and can discuss safety planning, psychoeducation and understanding what domestic violence is. "We really try to educate them on understanding that you cannot be abused," said De Alba. "This is a crime. It's not okay, because it's about power and control."
De Alba stressed the importance of listening to victims without judgment and being there for emotional support. "They're scared to leave," said De Alba. "There's a lot of barriers at times."
Help is available to anyone, even if they come before experiencing physical abuse, or if they don't intend to file a report with police. "They do not need to report to PD (first)." De Alba said. "They can just show up or call us."
If you feel like you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact one of our Victim Advocates at 602-261-8192 or email Victim Services. Services are offered in both English and Spanish.
You can find more domestic violence resources and referrals including shelters here.