From receiving catcalls walking down the street to unwanted touching by a stranger, or your intimate partner, many have fell victim to domestic or sexual violence.
In fact, one in four women, as well as one in ten men, will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to Gov. Doug Ducey.
The Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family will be hosting the Lighting Arizona Purple campaign as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month for the entire month of October.
“Now more than ever we must stand up to stop domestic violence and help get survivors the support they need,” Gov. Ducey said.
The campaign promotes several resources which aim to help “enhance education, prevention and intervention efforts,” according to the Governor’s Office website.
These resources look through a “trauma-informed lens” in hopes to strengthen the community.
The Phoenix Police Department also participates in the campaign and “follows the lead of the city,” according to Mercedes Fortune, public information sergeant.
The Phoenix Police Department has a page on their website dedicated to the campaign in which community members can find several resources and hotline information.
This year, the department has seen an increase in domestic violence and decided to promote the information for domestic and sexual assault very early on.
Many victims of domestic or sexual assault are hesitant to reach out for help or simply don’t know what resources are available to them.
“There is so much help out there for people, they just need to take that first step to reach out for help,” Fortune said.
Fortune encourages those who know someone who is going through this or see signs of domestic abuse to reach out to one of the hotlines and help them take the first step.
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence plans to participate in the campaign. The Arizona Coalition works to end sexual and domestic violence “by dismantling oppression and promoting equity among all people,” according to their website.
The organization will host several events throughout the month to promote awareness and offer a safe space for victims of domestic violence.
These events include webinars, advocacy training and survivor speak outs. All the events are outlined in their calendar.
For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Arizona Coalition also created “31 facts for 31 days of DVAM,” a resource full of facts about domestic violence.
Domestic violence goes beyond physical violence, including emotional abuse, financial control, intimidation or sexual coercion, according to the Arizona Coalition.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these types of domestic abuse, the GOYFF, Phoenix Police Department and the Arizona Coalition encourages people to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Contact the reporter at dchave28@asu.edu.
