Press Release: Allstate Foundation Grant Empowers Financial Future for Arizona Survivors

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence                                                                
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

ALLSTATE FOUNDATION GRANT EMPOWERS FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR ARIZONA SURVIVORS

Phoenix, AZ, October 15, 2020 – Many domestic violence nonprofits expect an unprecedented rise in both abuse reports and financial hardships as COVID-19 stay-at-home orders relax. The pandemic has exacerbated the ongoing need for critical funding for sexual and domestic violence nonprofits. Continuing its commitment to advancing financial security and education for survivors, The Allstate Foundation provided a 65,000 Moving Ahead Grant to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

“This is a pivotal point in time because many nonprofits are struggling, as are survivors and victims of domestic violence.” said Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV.  “This grant will provide specialized job training, matched-savings programs, credit-building services and financial education for survivors. We’re grateful to have a partner like The Allstate Foundation that work with us to secure the future of survivors.”

The Moving Ahead grants are a deeply-rooted portion of The Allstate Foundation’s 15-year commitment to ending domestic violence through financial empowerment. Twenty-six state coalitions will receive a total of $1.5 million in funding this year from the Foundation.

“The controlling tactics used by abusers create a devastating ripple effect that makes it feel nearly impossible for a survivor to break free,” said Ellen Lisak, senior program officer, The Allstate Foundation. “For over a decade, we’ve reinforced our investment to provide survivors hope.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. Since 2005, TAF has invested over $70 million to end domestic violence and financial abuse and helped 2 million survivors rebuild their lives through financial empowerment. More information is available by following @AllstateFDN on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

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Press Release: Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Receives $25,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities to Help Keep Pets and People Together

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RECEIVES $25,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES® TO HELP KEEP PETS AND PEOPLE TOGETHER  

October 13, 2020— Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence received a $25,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help keep more survivors and pets together throughout Arizona.

As the face of family changes over the years, what remains constant is the role pets play in our lives. Many people consider pets family members and it can be challenging to find resources when facing life changes and issues such as homelessness, lack of pet-friendly housing or fleeing domestic violence in search of a safe-haven. Pet parents in these and other at-risk situations often determine they have no options beyond surrendering their beloved pet to a local shelter.

With this grant, Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence will help preserve the bond between pets and their people by offering solutions that will help pets stay within their loving homes and families. Unfortunately, up to 40% of sexual and domestic violence survivors report they delayed their decision to seek safety and services out of fear for their animals’ safety. ACESDV’s Barrier Reduction Collaborative (BaRC) project offers solutions and support for survivors with pets. The BaRC project helps remove barriers to safety for survivors through funding for pet-related expenses, such as pet rental deposits, transportation of pets, veterinary fees, and pet boarding fees. The BaRC project also provides education and support to sexual and domestic violence programs to better assist survivors with pets.

“Many survivors would no sooner leave a pet behind than a child.  By providing concrete assistance to survivors with pets, we can help smooth the path to safety for both survivors and their companion animals. Our ultimate goal is safety and support of survivors and this is a way to make that happen,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV.

“Having a pet can provide a constant source of strength and comfort and can also add an extra layer of concern in times of uncertainty,” said Jenny Aho, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “We’re proud to support this work that keeps pets and people together and ensures Arizona’s pet parents never have to choose between their safety and their beloved pets.”

Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9.3 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,600 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $430 million to improve access to veterinary care, to positively impact communities, to connect people and pets and to help preserve families through initiatives like this with ACESDV.

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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 their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.
www.acesdv.org

Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 600,000 shelter pets each year. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores.  In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting almost $430 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.

Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: @PetSmartCharities
Follow PetSmart Charities on Twitter: @PetSmartChariTs
Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO                                                                                                      24-Hour PetSmart Charities
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence                                  Media Line:  623-587-2177
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM!

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Please see below for the annual 31 facts for the 31 days of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 2020 to share on your social media, in newsletters, etc. during the month. Please be sure to save the date for Thursday, October 22, 2020 for Wear Purple Day and use the hashtag #EndDVinAZ all month long. 

Download the 31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM.

Please feel free to share with us any and all Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, events and/or virtual events we can share! Please send those event or activity details to christa@acesdv.org.

Press Release: ACESDV in Partnership with 5 Disability Advocacy Organizations Awarded Grant from the Office of Violence Against Women to Enhance Education and Services for Sexual Assault Survivors with Developmental Disabilities

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

THE ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIVE DISABILITY ADVOCACY PARTNERS AWARDED GRANT FROM THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN TO ENHANCE EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

September 14, 2020— Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) recently received a $500,000 grant from the Office of Violence Against Women in partnership with the Arizona Center for Disability Law, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, and The Arc of Arizona.

According to data from the Department of Justice (2018), people with cognitive disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than those without disabilities. In 2019, the Governor’s Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force recommended that Arizona build and enhance community-based sexual assault services that utilize a trauma-informed approach and address the specific needs of vulnerable adults and their families, as well as a toolkit for providers outlining sample policies and best practices for a trauma-informed approach to survivors with disabilities.

This funding will help fill a gap in services for in Arizona for the approximately 130 thousand individuals in Arizona with a developmental disability,” says Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “While sexual assault services exist, the specific needs of those with developmental disabilities aren’t always met. With our partners and the provider community, we are delighted to be able to take concrete steps to help close this gap.”

“We are excited that our Arizona programs now have much-needed resources to meaningfully include survivors with developmental disabilities who are so often excluded,” states Dr. Erika McFadden, Executive Director of Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, “This is just the beginning of desperately-needed change, with Arizona leading the way for other states to follow.”

In this project ACESDV, in collaboration with the 5 statewide disability advocacy organizations, will engage in an intensive development and planning process to identify and address the needs of sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities and victim service providers statewide. ACESDV will then provide training and technical assistance to victim service providers statewide to ensure sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities have access to comprehensive, accessible, and appropriate services in Arizona. The training curriculum and toolkit that will assist victim service providers across Arizona will include:

  1. developing and enhancing services for sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities;
  2. developing and modifying policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure equal access to services and programs for sexual abuse survivors with development disabilities; and
  3. meeting the requirements of shelters and victim service providers under Federal anti-discrimination laws.

“We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of this three-year initiative with ACESDV and the other disability groups,” says Sherri Collins, Executive Director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, “Together, through this partnership, we can make a huge impact in the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims/survivors by reducing barriers and access to services.”

“ACDL is pleased to be a part of this important grant to help end sexual violence against people with disabilities,” said J.J. Rico, CEO of AZ Center for Disability Law, “It is in our mission to protect the rights of people with disabilities and our partnership with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence will help further ensure equal access to services are guaranteed under the law.”

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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 their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

About the Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Arizona Center for Disability Law (Center) is a non-profit law firm that assists Arizonans with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. The Arizona Center for Disability Law serves all people with disabilities. The Center supports individuals with disabilities by providing information on their legal rights, representation in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court, and investigating abuse and neglect. In addition, the Center provides outreach and training on legal rights and self-advocacy as well as technical assistance to groups and individuals on disability-related legal issues. Finally, the Center brings impact litigation to remedy systematic problems.

About the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Established in 1977, The Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard and Hearing (Commission) ensures, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve their quality of life. The Commission administers a free statewide 24-hour telephone relay service as well as telephone equipment to qualified hearing, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and speech-impaired Arizona residents. The Commission provides the American Sign Language Interpreter Licensure for the state, engages in community development initiatives, and informs Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about their rights and the laws and programs available to support their rights.

About the AZ Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) is the designated entity as outlined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 that focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and improving access and services for people with developmental disabilities. ADDPC collects data by identifying local developmental disability challenges and solutions and provides grants to fund innovative projects, such as efforts to help Arizonans speak up for themselves or push for community inclusion. In addition, ADDPC works with public and private sectors to address issues that are important to people with developmental disabilities and provides education through events, resources, and social media on ways to include all people who have developmental disabilities in every aspect of community life. ADDPC works to establish, strengthen, and expand self-advocacy activities among people with developmental disabilities so they will become empowered and self-determined.

About the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council
The Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) is federally mandated and funded under the Rehabilitation Act and is comprised of individuals appointed by the Governor. AZSILC conducts statewide needs assessments in regard to people who have disabilities, monitors, implements, and evaluates the triennial State Plan for Independent Living, facilitates community outreach, independent living forums, panels and workshops, collaborates in coordinating disability focused conferences, expositions, and summits, and advocates for systemic changes that enhance and/or expand independent living programs and services.

About the Arc of Arizona
The Arc of Arizona, which was formed in 1958, is the only community-based non-profit working for people with I/DD throughout their lifetimes and across all diagnoses in Arizona. Currently, they have over 1,000 members with 11 local chapters. They engage in public policy by mobilizing self-advocates, disability organizations, and individuals across Arizona who care about the rights of all people with disabilities, utilizing grassroots action to effect substantial and meaningful progress in the legislative landscape.

Press Release: ACESDV Welcomes New CEO

By

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence                                                                
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WELCOMES NEW CEO

Phoenix, AZ, July 31, 2020 –The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jenna Panas has joined ACESDV as CEO since June 8, 2020. Jenna has extensive expertise driving organizations to achieve growth and strategic focus, and they are confident that under her leadership, ACESDV will have an even greater impact on the people, program members and communities it serves.

Jenna is a seasoned leader in both nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Most recently, she served as the Program Director of the Impact Instruction program at Arizona State University’s Center for Child Well Being, where she managed the design of curriculum and online instruction options for courses in Child Welfare, Foster Youth, Literacy Support, and Childhood Trauma. She has also taught for the School of Public Affairs, with a research emphasis on critical theory, and power dynamics leading to a lack of constituency voices.

Prior to her roles in Arizona, Jenna held multiple leadership positions at non-profit organizations focusing on the welfare of women and children. She worked extensively in the fields of domestic violence, homelessness, and economic empowerment. Jenna served as” interim CEO of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center where she helped strengthen the nonprofit by securing large-scale grants and created systems to measure outcomes and track success rates. Jenna’s leadership extends to managing a consulting firm that provides change-management training and leadership coaching to nonprofit organizations.

Jenna’s career has been dedicated to serving women and children, working to end domestic violence and sexual assault, and strengthening nonprofit organizations. She brings a tremendous amount of passion and enthusiasm to her new role.

“While the solutions for ending domestic and sexual violence are complex, Arizona has many great minds and passionate hearts working on solutions and I am delighted to be joining them in partnership. By listening to survivors and responding to their unique needs and stories, we ensure success for all. We have made tremendous strides at the Coalition over the last 40 years, it is an honor to work to extend that legacy into the future.”

ACESDV is excited to have Jenna on board and look forward to her leadership. Please join ACESDV in welcoming her to our organization.

 

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 their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

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Press Release: ACESDV Releases Report on the Impact of COVID-19 on Programs in AZ

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELEASES REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SEXUAL & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA

Phoenix, AZ, July 17, 2020 – COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the lives of survivors, their children, pets, and local victim service programs. Social distancing measures increase risk for violence in homes and limit opportunities for survivors to access help. Throughout the pandemic, sexual and domestic violence programs have remained steadfastly open, providing crucial services to survivors during a particularly precarious time.

Programs have had to make significant shifts in shelter and service provision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors and staff during COVID-19. There is a critical need for additional resources to address the dramatically evolving needs of survivors during the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic. While call volume has fluctuated, most shelters remain full, and community-based advocates have maintained large and growing caseloads.

A survey was distributed to the 29 community-based sexual and domestic violence programs in Arizona who are members of ACESDV. The survey was open through late May and early June, and was supplemented by follow-up conversations with programs through June 18th. Twenty-four programs responded to the survey. Among these programs, 50% serve a primarily rural area, 29% serve a primarily urban area, and 21% serve a combined rural and urban area.

View the Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs in Arizona survey results.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of sexual and domestic violence survivors already exceeded the available resources in Arizona. Victim service providers have decades of experience managing life-threatening crises with limited resources; however, COVID-19 has impacted communities in unprecedented and sustained ways. As programs adapt to meet the needs of survivors, funding is critical to sustain and hire staff, purchase new technology, identify and provide safe housing alternatives, and modify programs to ensure social distancing and adequate sanitization.

“Arizona providers have been amazing in their ability to pivot and quickly meet the needs of survivors in a stressful and constantly changing environment, however they critically need funding and donations in order to continue to do so. We hope that by identifying program needs, our community will help survivors,” stated ACESDV CEO Jenna Panas.

The community can help support programs continue providing crucial services to survivors. In response to the Impact of COVID-19 survey, ACESDV collected information from programs throughout Arizona with specific donation needs request. Many programs indicate needing PPE equipment, sanitizing supplies, gift cards to stores like Walmart and Target, as well as monetary donations. Find a program in your area to learn about what they need and how to donate. View the Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs Donations Needs document.

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 their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

www.acesdv.org
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/acesdv
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/AZCESDV

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ACESDV Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and Institutionalized Racism

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Discrimination and police violence against the Black community and other people of color is nothing new. These are not broken systems; they were built on stolen land and designed to control, contain, and exploit the lives and labor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Police brutality did not begin with George Floyd or Dion Johnson or Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor or Tony McDade, Philando Castile or Freddie Gray or Michael Brown or Eric Garner or Trayvon Martin, or any of the men and women whose lives were taken, but whose names have not been uplifted. On May 25th, we witnessed murder. We watched George Floyd beg for help, for water, for his mother, all before he took his last breath under the knee and full weight of the State. What more is it going to take before leadership in this country uses their power to end racism and white supremacy?

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) stands in solidarity with the Black community during these tragic and traumatic events, and will continue to stand with people of color to uproot systemic racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. We are committed to working together to end violence in all forms by dismantling oppression in Arizona and promoting equity among all people. 

At ACESDV we view violence and oppression as mutually sustaining. Sexual and domestic violence cannot end as long as law enforcement and other state entities continue to replicate the manipulation and harm so frequently experienced by survivors. The roots of these forms of violence are the same. State violence is among the most insidious forms of control meant to silence, enslave, and terrorize people of color into submission. We are deeply saddened to witness the continued dehumanization and dismissal of people of color in this country—from the violence and callousness of police, to the COVID-19 outbreaks impacting immigrants in detention centers, the decimation of Native communities, and the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people. 

Other institutionalized forms of discrimination continue to indirectly kill the Black community, Indigenous communities, and People of Color by limiting access to health care, housing, education, and employment. We continue to support those most impacted by these practices and proactively fight to dismantle systems of oppression and the institutional racism and classism that has created these inequities. 

We are committed to continued advocacy to encourage policymakers to divest funding from law enforcement and invest more in strategies and organizations that meaningfully support community safety, healing, and wellbeing—especially for people of color. We will listen to the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We will speak out, we will testify, we will stand with communities of color. We will continue to have difficult conversations about race and accountability within and beyond our organization. We will examine our own biases, white privilege, and allegiances to harmful power structures and people. We will support and join with our program members and allied partners in uprooting racism and other forms of oppression. We will always center the voices and experiences of survivors—we are here for you. You are not alone.

30 Facts for 30 Days of SAAM

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We are excited to share our 30 facts for 30 days of SAAM during April and welcome you to join us as we raise awareness about sexual violence. Also a reminder to check out NSVRC’s SAAM awareness campaign materials – they always have great, inspiring, and colorful materials and ideas.

Additionally, please remember to save the upcoming dates:

April 7th – Wear Teal Day/Day of Action (since we won’t be able to have large groups of people in photos while wearing teal, perhaps a good ol’ collage of personal selfies this year!)

April 29th –Denim Day (another good day to make a collage of selfies!)

ACESDV is here for you.

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Survivors are often more vulnerable in times of crisis and need our support more than ever in these times. ACESDV is here for you.

ACESDV’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline is still open and operating the regular hours of 8:30a – 5:00p, Monday – Friday with Victim Services Specialists available to assist in Spanish and English, by phone or online through chat. While our staff are primarily working remotely from the safety of their homes, we have measures in place to maintain full confidentiality and are continuing operations and support to survivors and the community.

The Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline: 602-279-2980

Online chat: www.acesdv.org/helpline

For National Hotlines available 24/7:
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483

The nearly 40 member organizations of ACESDV are committed to providing the best services to communities throughout Arizona. Member organizations are also carefully considering the advisories from the Department of Health and the CDC, and taking significant precautions to protect those they serve and their teams of staff members, volunteers and board members. 
 
Hotlines, sexual and domestic violence service organizations, and shelters will remain open.  People impacted by sexual and domestic violence can still access the support of an advocate during a sexual assault forensic exam, when requesting an Order of Protection, and for help accessing other crucial resources.  Organizations are putting systems in place to be able to provide remote advocacy as much as possible, using phone, video and other strategies to connect with and support people who need help.

Contact your local organization for more information about how they are responding, and continue to refer people impacted by sexual and domestic violence to call the National Hotlines (listed above) or ACESDV’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline.

Sexual and domestic violence service organizations are working together with many others in their communities to coordinate efforts, plan for what lies ahead and get crucial resources to people experiencing health, financial and other impacts.  Organizations serving people who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing are part of a statewide strategy to ensure there are safe places for people to stay if they are at high risk from COVID-19, or if they need to self-quarantine.  The Coalition is also actively working with administrative and legislative officials to ensure that the needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence are being addressed during this crisis.

During this difficult time, our connections with each other are more important than ever.  We are sustained by our loving community of organizations, advocates, and partners.  

Now is the time to fund sexual assault survivor services

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[image from AZ Mirror]

As the statewide voice for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence pursues a policy agenda every Arizona legislative session aimed at preventing sexual assault and domestic violence from occurring in the first place, as well as empowering and supporting the survivors of these traumatic experiences. 

We continue to make progress in Arizona, but unfortunately still lag behind other states in many critical areas. 

Most notably, Arizona is one of the few states that does not provide any funding for sexual assault survivor services – things like advocacy, support groups, therapy and crisis lines. With Arizona’s economy booming and state finances more stable than we’ve seen in over a decade, it’s time to fix it. Arizona needs to support survivors of sexual violence with funding for survivor-centered services, including an expansion of current services and the introduction of 24/7 sexual assault specific services statewide. 

Fortunately, we already have an example of how these services can be funded and structured. 

Under state law, Arizona funds domestic violence services through a process that ensures programs are providing services in line with best practice standards and the current needs of survivors and communities. It appropriately defines what qualifies as a domestic violence program, ensures program priorities are determined through expert consultation with the state coalition, and ensures recipients of funds adhere to formalized statewide standards rooted in best practices.

Using this as a model, the legislature could pass new legislation with the same structure and parameters, but with a focus on funding services for sexual assault survivors across Arizona. These new services would allow sexual assault survivors to have greater access to resources for healing, while also ensuring these resources are high-quality and appropriately monitored by a state entity (the Arizona Department of Economic Security) with expertise in gender-based violence.

Helping these victims isn’t an exorbitant cost: We estimate $10 million could get these services up and running. When one considers that Arizona currently has a $700 million surplus this fiscal year – that is still growing – there is simply no justification to be one of the few states who refuses to fund services for sexual assault survivors. 

Unfortunately, sexual violence is all too prevalent in today’s society. A person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the United States. It’s time to show survivors in Arizona that we admire their strength and are here to support them. We hope Republicans and Democrats can put their differences aside during the 2020 legislative session and fund these vital services. 

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Originally posted on AZ Mirror on January 28, 2020.