The City of Phoenix unites each October to stand with victims of domestic violence.
While domestic violence remains a worldwide issue, it is one of the most widespread and dangerous health and safety concerns in the Phoenix community, according to the city website.
This October was the 9th annual “Paint Phoenix Purple” for the city. This project is a collaboration of more than 50 organizations that collect donations and support from the community with the desire of aiding those who suffer or have suffered from domestic violence, Strategic Initiatives Manager Sergio Gomez said.
The campaign was held from Oct. 1 through Oct. 29 and hosted various events including a pet photo contest, a silent auction and a candlelight vigil.
“The color purple is used to bring attention to domestic violence awareness month,” Gomez said. “With the City creating the ‘Paint Phoenix Purple’ campaign, our community has become familiar with recognizing October as domestic violence awareness month and starts the conversation on the issue.”
Gomez says the campaign is crucial because it shows victims and survivors that the city stands with them. It starts the important conversation of the issue of domestic violence in the City of Phoenix and what can be done to assist and guide those who need it.
Although October is the official awareness month, the campaign continues to provide resources throughout the year for the community. Its Family Advocacy Center (FAC) offers services and has increased the number of mobile advocates who work in the community and on-scene.
Katie Osselaer, Victim Services Program supervisor, said the Phoenix FAC is purely focused on intervention.
“Our advocacy services focus on ensuring a victim or survivor is safe following an act of domestic violence and the victim/survivor has the services and resources needed to prevent future victimization,” Osselaer said.
The Advocacy Center is specific to Phoenix because the community recognizes the need to raise awareness about domestic violence, Osselaer said.
According to the Sojourner Center, a Phoenix-based residential program that supports survivors of domestic violence, Arizona ranks 8th nationally for the highest numbers of calls to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Sojourner Center reports that 41% of all calls to the national hotline are from Phoenix.
The City of Phoenix Strategic Initiatives actively works in the community through hosting educational events and training sessions and developing partnerships with local victim service providers.
Osselaer said it is because of these partnerships that the FAC offers comprehensive victim advocacy, counseling, case management, support groups, forensic medical examinations, and investigative interviews in one location year-round.
“As long as domestic violence remains an issue in our community, the City of Phoenix is committed to providing resources and education to help end it,” Osselaer said.
Community members are encouraged to get involved by donating, attending webinars and wearing purple in October to support the victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The Family Advocacy Center, located at 2120 N Central Avenue, can be reached in-person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by phone at 602-534-2120.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
Contact the reporter at pstovey@asu.edu
