End Sexual & Domestic Violence
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. ACESDV is pleased to share our 30 facts for 30 days of SAAM. Click here to download the facts in English, and in Spanish. Please feel free to post facts and information on your own social media channels or share ACESDV’s posts as we’ll be posting each day.
Sample graphics and web banners are available for download below.
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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2023
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE’S STATEMENT ON THE MYTH OF SUPER BOWL INCREASING SEX TRAFFICKING
PHOENIX, February 9, 2023 – As Phoenix, Arizona prepares as the host city for the Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, as usual with large sporting events around the worth, the myth of the Super Bowl increasing sex trafficking has resurfaced.
Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. It is estimated 4.8 million people are trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally.
As Arizona has been gearing up to host the Super Bowl, once again the false idea that the tourists and fans visiting Phoenix increases sex trafficking, has been raised. The unfounded and exaggerated numbers of potential people being victimized by sex trafficking as a result of heighted demand by the event, is unsupported and discredits legitimized efforts to prevent sex trafficking, reduce harm, and identify and help victims.
Various studies have debunked this myth, saying that while there is an increase in advertisements for commercial sex and arrest of those responding to those ads, there is not an increase in sex trafficking or recruitment of victims. There is no notable difference in sex trafficking increasing around large events like the Super Bowl or the Waste Management Open.
As the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research along with the McCain Institute shares in their findings, sex buying, sex selling and sex trafficking occur every day in Phoenix and interventions to change attitudes and beliefs of sex buyers does not require a national campaign, but instead a targeted local effort as the majority of the offenders are local residents. However, despite the realities, special task forces are developed and addressed, resources and funding are put into policing and the general community are caught up in the false idea that sex trafficking is rampant. These falsehoods also cause the stereotyping of victim and recruiter identities creating false solutions to supporting victims of sex trafficking and reliance on the criminal legal system. Funding and resources are focused on law enforcement who focus on arresting sex workers, rather than assisting victims.
While the Super Bowl does not increase sex trafficking, sex trafficking should be an issue of concern in all communities. Sex trafficking happens everywhere, in all demographics. However, the majority of traffickers know their victim and capitalize on that connection. It is important to know where to get help, to be a supportive person to someone who may be experiencing sex trafficking, and to call attention to people in your life who may be buying sex from a victim.
Real solutions to address local efforts to reduce sex trafficking include:
-putting funding and resources into supportive services like housing, medical care, and other advocacy services for victims of sex trafficking.
-focus on holding traffickers and buyers accountable, not sex workers or victims of sex trafficking
–education on sex trafficking including warning signs, who is trafficking victims, how to find help for those experiencing sex trafficking
-resources available in your community – programs, hotlines, and resources addressing this issue and victim support
If you or someone you know may be a victim of sex trafficking, connect with the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. Help and resources area available, you are not alone.
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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
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 7, 2023
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE’S STATEMENT ON THE IMPACT IN ARIZONA OF UNITED STATES vs. RAHIMI DECISION REGARDING FIREARM ACCESS
PHOENIX, February 6, 2023 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) and anti-violence advocates across Arizona are alarmed by the precedence that Judge Wilson’s opinion on United States v. Rahimi sets for the safety of domestic violence victims and all Americans. This decision struck down 30 years of federal law prohibiting those under a protective order for domestic violence from possessing firearms. This radical ruling puts domestic violence victims and their communities in grave danger. Research has demonstrated time and again the devastating threat to safety when domestic violence and firearms intersect – it creates a proven lethal mix for victims, law enforcement, and communities at large.
Arizona’s limited firearms prohibitions for domestic violence currently remain in place, despite this ruling. Arizona only prohibits possession during probation for domestic violence and courts can prohibit defendants from possessing a firearm while issuing a final domestic violence Order of Protection. Unless on probation or subject to an Order of Protection, individuals that have been convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors can continue to access firearms.
House Bill 2179 will correct this oversight for Arizona and prohibits those convicted of domestic violence offences from possessing firearms. When laws requiring firearms be turned in are implemented, we see a 16 percent reduction in domestic violence homicides. We can make a difference and save lives now by supporting HB 2179.
Hundreds of Arizonans have been shot and killed by their intimate partner over the last several years. A person who causes harm is five times more likely to kill their partner when they have access to a firearm. In 2022 alone, 76% of domestic violence fatalities were committed with a firearm. One hundred percent of law enforcement and bystanders killed in 2022 domestic violence homicides incidents in Arizona were killed by a perpetrator with a firearm.
ACESDV will not lose sight of the survivors whose lives are at stake. Our path is set – we re-double our efforts to create a safer Arizona by supporting HB 2179 and through direct services, prevention programs and policy. Please register your support for HB 2179 by utilizing the Arizona Legislature’s online Request to Speak system and visit acesdv.org to join us in securing safety for survivors.
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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
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 17, 2022
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
AZ COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELEASES 2021 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FATALITY REPORT
PHOENIX, October 17, 2022 – ACESDV releases the 2021 Domestic Violence Fatality Report during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In 2021, The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence documented 94 known domestic violence-related fatalities across Arizona. These incidents were identified using an online media monitoring service that uses topical keywords related to domestic violence to produce articles from around the state.
While this method of data collection generates a fairly comprehensive list of domestic violence-related fatalities, the data contained in this report is limited, as it captures only those fatalities reported in online media publications.
It is important to note that while the individuals on this list and in this report may only be listed by name or by what happened to them, these individuals are real people who made a positive impact for the people in their life and are loved and missed.
As highlighted in the report as an example, victims of domestic violence are much like Destiny:
17-year-old Destiny Munoz was the devoted mother of a one-year-old son. Her brother characterized her as a strong, independent women who provided hope and inspiration for her friends. Destiny is an example of most fatalities in Arizona, a woman harmed by her male partner, using a gun. Destiny is not just a number on the fatality list, she was an individual who is missed by her family, her son, and all those that knew her.
Arizona consistently ranks among the top states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men. In fact, between 2009 and 2021, there were 1,358 domestic violence related deaths. These tragedies represent a small fraction of the violence that occurs within intimate and family relationships and reminds us of the potential for lethality in relationships where domestic violence is present. It is critical that survivors are heard and supported in accessing safety and healing. This report is dedicated to those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.
The information gathered in these reports inform our work to improve systems and support to domestic violence survivors with finding trends, gaps in response, holes at the legislature and how to hold people who cause harm accountable.
Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV States, “It is with deepest sympathy we honor those whose lives were taken due to domestic violence. These individuals are missed by parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, children, family and friends and will never be forgotten. Their legacy lives on as a reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and examples of how to improve our services, systems, and response to domestic violence in Arizona. We can and hope to do better within the state of Arizona.”
To read the report, please visit: https://www.acesdv.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ACESDV-Fatality-Report-2021.pdf
To read prior years’ fatality lists and reports, please visit: https://www.acesdv.org/fatality-reports/
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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
ACESDV is pleased to share our 31 facts for the 31 days of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Available in both English and Spanish, please use as you see fit or share ACESDV social media content as we’ll be posting each day on our platforms. Please also see some graphics and banners to pair with the facts below on various social media channels.
31 Facts for 31 Days in English
31 Facts for 31 Days in Spanish
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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2022
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
ARIZONA PROTECTIVE ORDER TIMELINE EXTENDED BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 THROUGH H.B. 2604
PHOENIX, September 16, 2022 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is pleased to share the extension of the duration of coverage for Orders of Protection along with Emergency Orders of Protection to allow victims of crime additional time to take measure for safety.
Through House Bill 2604, which goes into effect September 24th, 2022, the effective duration of an Order of Protection or a modified Order of Protection extends from one year to two years after the defendant has been served and extends the effective duration of an Emergency Order of Protection from three days to seven calendar days after issuance.
This bill further removes barriers for victims to be granted an Emergency Order by specifying that, in counties with a population of fewer than 150,000 persons, any judge, justice of the peace, magistrate or commissioner may issue an order by telephone during the hours the courts are closed.
H.B. 2604 earned the support of ACESDV because it reduces trauma for victims, allowing survivors longer periods of relief between renewals. This change meets the needs of survivors throughout Arizona.
Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV, states, “We are thrilled with the extension of Orders of Protection and Emergency Orders of Protection. This seemingly small extension increases safety for survivors, removes barriers when needing to renew the protective order yearly, and accommodates smaller populous communities in Arizona by offering additional opportunities to issue an order when the court is closed. We appreciate the leadership of Representative Shawnna Bolick and the continuing advocacy of Senator Victoria Steele in considering the best interests of survivors who utilize the tool of protective orders for safety.”
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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/AZCESDV
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 16, 2022
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 ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
PHOENIX, AUGUST 16, 2022 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Directors Cindy Garcia, Andrea Levy, Nidhi Naik, and Carol Park Aden. The directors have extensive professional expertise, and will assist the Board of Directors in furthering the mission of ACESDV, creating a greater impact on the people, program members and communities it serves.
“ACESDV is incredibly thankful to have these four incredible individuals join the board,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “They all bring valuable personal perspectives and professional experience to the Board that will move both the agency and the state forward.”
Cindy Garcia is the Program Director for De Colores -Chicanos Por La Causa. Ms. Garcia began her career working with survivors of Domestic Violence a decade ago in Tucson, at Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse. She has consitently progressed in her roles, starting as a center assistant, then became a case manager, and next a legal advocate working at a Tucson Domestic Violence court. Ms. Garcia then moved to a program manager at Emerge! shelter before moving to Phoenix becoming the program manager for De Colores shelter. Ms. Garcia now serves as the Director of De Colores Programs, the only fully bilingual, bicultural program in the Valley providing shelter and community-based services to survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Garcia has a Bachelors in Human services and Master in Business administration. Ms. Garcia has a partner of 17 years and three children under the age of 8.
Ms. Garcia is dedicated to the movement and the ACESDV board. She is delighted to support our community, allowing people to be able to live freely, be safe and thrive in life. “This amazing group creates change and a pathway for survivors, by listening to what is needed and survivors wants,” stated Ms. Garcia.
Andrea Beth Levy, CPA, CFE, CGMA, MBA serves as the Chief Financial Officer for CFO for Voice, an international humanitarian nonprofit aiding women and girls in crisis. Levy started her career in corporate accounting and internal audit, but ultimately found her niche in healthcare management and nonprofit accounting. Ms. Levy also served as CFO with Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. Ms. Levy holds a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in business administration with a concentration in information technology. Currently, Ms. Levy serves as the Chair-Elect for the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants. In her spare time, Ms. Levy enjoys traveling, hiking, and volunteering in the non-profit community.
Ms. Levy has served on the ACESDV Board’s Finance and Budget Committee, and will now serve as an officer of the Board in the role of Treasurer. Ms. Levy brings creativity and solution focused leadership to the Board.
Nidhi S. Naik, J.D. has been practicing law in Arizona for 9 years. Ms. Naik had dedicated her law practice to child abuse and neglect cases for almost 8 years, a cause she continues to be very passionate about. This year Ms. Naik made a switch to work for one of Arizona’s top ranked law firms, Davis Miles McGuire Gardner, where she practices Family Law. Nidhi holds a bachelor’s degree in Justice and Social Inquiry with a minor in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. In her spare time Ms. Naik loves to travel the world and spend time with her family and her little Yorkie Koda.
Ms. Naik has long advocated for survivors of domestic violence in her child welfare work. Her long history of advocacy, in addition to her expertise in the legal systems that survivors encounter will bring significant insight to the Board.
Carol Park Aden is a life-long child advocate who is currently employed as a family law attorney with Community Legal Services in Phoenix after retiring from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in child support enforcement. She previously maintained a solo law practice in rural Kansas where she served as a guardian ad litem and represented juvenile offenders in addition to handling family law matters. Ms. Aden also served for a decade with the U.S. Trustee’s Office in the U.S. Department of Justice handling federal bankruptcy matters. She has earned degrees in law, public administration and accounting from the University of Arizona and Michigan State University, maintains an active law license in Arizona and holds inactive law licenses in Utah and Kansas as well as her C.P.A. Emeritus Utah license. When not visiting their children and grandchildren in Texas, Carol and her husband, Don enjoy camping and the challenge of growing wine grapes south of Willcox. Carol also enjoys the challenge of gardening, photography and oil painting.
ACESDV is excited to have these exceptional individuals join the Board and looks forward to channeling their talents and expertise to further their mission to end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona by dismantling oppression and promoting equity. Please join ACESDV in welcoming them.
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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/AZCESDV
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org
As part of our guiding principles, ACESDV supports access to health care and supports reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for all people. ACESDV emphatically supports every person’s right to bodily autonomy, including their right to choose. Since 1980, the Coalition has worked to support survivors of domestic violence, and has supported survivors of sexual violence for the past decade. Ensuring access to reproductive and sexual healthcare for survivors is fundamental to achieving our mission. We oppose any actions that limit a person’s right to access sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including safe abortion care.
Coercive control and reproductive coercion are common tactics in intimate partner violence and are utilized to maintain power by undermining a partners’ economic security, health, safety, and autonomy to make reproductive and sexual health decisions. People who harm use tactics such as contraceptive sabotage, knowingly exposing a sexual partner to an STI, forcing sexual contact, inflicting harm with the intent of causing miscarriage, and forcing a pregnant person to abort a pregnancy or carry it to term. Safe abortion care is necessary to ensure victims are not trapped in violent relationships. This entrapment can lead to heightened abuse during pregnancy or result in the death of the victim.
The ability to make individual decisions about emergency contraception and pregnancy termination after sexual violence is critical to safety and healing after assault. No survivor of rape or incest should have to prove victimization to access essential care. Forcing a victim of rape to bear children conceived during rape or incest removes their right to bodily autonomy, as did the person who harmed them.
Restrictions on abortion will disproportionately affect Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other survivors of color – increasing racial disparities and injustice. Black women and other people of color bear a disproportionate burden of the lack of access to reproductive healthcare options and have been leaders of the movement for decades.
Building on these basic tenants of privacy and personal liberty, we support actions and policies that invest in the health, safety and well-being of all Arizonans.
As part of our guiding principles, ACESDV supports access to health care, including abortion, and supports reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for all people. We also understand that any restrictions on abortion will significantly impact survivors and will disproportionately affect Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other survivors of color – increasing racial disparities and injustice. ACESDV emphatically supports a survivor’s right to exercise bodily autonomy, including their right to choose.
Sexual and reproductive coercion are common features of intimate partner violence, with the removal of a partner’s bodily autonomy and reproductive choice utilized as tools of violence. Forcible pregnancy is an effective tool to keep a partner dependent and trapped within the relationship. When survivors are able to practice their right to abortion, they gain the ability to make decisions that benefit their life and offers more opportunity to seek safety.
The 15 week abortion ban signed by Governor Ducey, does not include exceptions for victims of rape or incest. Arizona will require a victim of rape to bear those children, removing their right to bodily autonomy, as did the person who harmed them. When survivors are able to practice their right to abortion, they gain the ability to heal and begin their new life.
How to help:
Call your state representatives and senators and post on social media stating why abortion access is important for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Donate to support access for safe and legal abortions as individuals from Arizona may need to travel to California or New Mexico to receive services.
VOTE for elected officials who will protect survivor’s rights. Your voice matters!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! We look forward to honoring sexual violence survivors this month along with our community and uplift the issue of sexual violence. Please see below for 30 facts in English and Spanish for 30 days of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We invite you to share each fact each day on your social media or feel free to reshare/repost through our social media as well.
Download 30 Facts for 30 Days of Sexual Assault Awareness Month – April 2022
30 Hechos Para el Mes de Concientización de Agresión Sexual Abril 2022
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