PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 3, 2023
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Supports Governor Hobbs’ Veto of HB2427
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence fully supports Governor Hobbs’ veto of HB 2427. HB 2427 would amend Arizona’s domestic violence statutes to require a change to mandated sentencing and an increase in sentencing for offenses against victims who are pregnant. On its face, this legislation looks like it provides additional protections for victims who are pregnant. In reality, such a law will increase disproportionate sentencing of people of color and will do nothing to deter domestic violence offenses or support pregnant victims.
Arizona already allows a judge to consider the pregnancy of a victim as a factor in sentencing. Taking away a judge’s ability to determine individual circumstances and replacing it with mandatory sentencing is detrimental. Mandatory sentencing has long been recognized as disproportionally affecting people of color, resulting in more prison time for people of color than white people. This has been true in domestic violence sentencing as well, with domestic violence charges being a key factor in mass incarceration of people of color. Mandatory sentencing also increases prison populations. Arizona currently incarcerates 868 people per 100,000 residents in the state, making it the eighth highest incarcerator of all US states and the world. [1] However, Arizona still has higher crime rates than the national average, indicating that incarceration does not solve crime. Specific to domestic violence, evidence shows that there is no deterrent effect of prosecution and sentencing beyond that obtained by the abuser’s initial arrest[2].
Victims of domestic violence and their born children deserve meaningful support such as funding for services, protections against gun violence, and economic support over shallow attempts to impose additional inconsequential sanctions. Dollars spent on supporting prison populations would be better spent supporting victims of domestic violence in their healing and to recover from the economic effects of abuse.
[1] Prison Policy Initiative, States of Incarceration: The Global Context 2021, September 2021
[2] Maxwell, C. D. & Garner, J. H. (2012). The crime control effects of criminal sanctions for intimate partner violence. Partner Abuse, 3(4), 469-500.
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About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline and online chat. To learn more visit www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/ACESDV
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/ACESDVORG
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org
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