ACESDV

End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Press Release: ACESDV’s Statement on Myth of Super Bowl Increasing Sex Trafficking

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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: ACESDV’s Statement on the Impact in Arizona of United States vs. Rahimi Decision Regarding Firearm Access

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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: ACESDV releases the 2021 Domestic Violence Fatality Report during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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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 Statement on Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Decision

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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. 

ACESDV’s Statement on Abortion and Reproductive Freedom

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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!

 

30 Facts for Sexual Assault Awareness Month – 2022

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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

Download the supporting images below – right click each image and save as.

MARPA Covid 19 Stabilization Grant Funds Award Announcement

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Maricopa County Domestic Violence Reduction Program Grant
MARPA Covid 19 Stabilization Grant Funds Award Announcement

Through funds from the American Rescue Plan Funds, Maricopa County is providing funding to reduce funding gaps that nonprofit domestic and sexual violence service providers experienced as a result of COVID-19. Domestic and sexual violence service providers all reported significant decreases in revenues and funding because their primary funding sources, federal contracts/funds, and fundraising efforts declined because of COVID-19. Specifically, current and future federal cuts for victim services and an inability to raise donations because of the COVID-19 pandemic cause significant revenue losses for service providers while service needs remain high or have increased.

Funding is being distributed to help restore existing critical services levels for providers across Maricopa County and help ensure the stability of domestic and sexual violence service programs.

The total funding available is $4,760,000 over three years.

Applicants were required to meet the following Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicant Agency is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  • Applicant Agency is a qualified domestic and/or sexual violence service provider, which may include being a member of ACESDV.
  • Applicant Agency is required to serve residents of Maricopa County.
  • Applicant Agency certifies its service standards and policies follow the Arizona Domestic Violence Service Standards and/or Arizona Sexual Violence Service Standards.

ACESDV and Maricopa County are excited to announce that the following agencies applied for and were awarded funds through the MARPA COVID 19 Stabilization Grant Funds.

Ten Programs applied for funding. The table below shows organizations awarded/not awarded funds and how much.

Agency Name Amount Awarded
A New Leaf- (Faith House Program) $433,429.40
A New Leaf- (Autumn House Program) $161,764.56
Catholic Charities Community Services, Inc. $47,500.00
Chicanos Por La Causa- (The De Colores Program) $96,330.00
Eve’s Place – (Maricopa County Mobile Advocacy Program) $1,301,121.00
Jewish Family & Children’s Service- (Shelter Without Walls Program) $276,837.00
National Victim Advocacy Alliance $0.00
New Life Center $325,124.00
Peer Solutions $202,759.00
Sojourner Center $292,367.00

 

 

Request for Feedback on Participatory Grantmaking

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ACESDV Request for Feedback

On February 9th, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence held an Open Forum requesting community members’ and survivors’ feedback on the process of selecting a Grant Selection Committee and the grant application selection process for the MARPA COVID 19 Grant Funds (Competitive Grant). ACESDV seeks to engage in Participatory Grantmaking in this process, ensuring that the Grant Selection Committee is diverse and inclusive to include community members and survivors in the decision process.

We are also extending the invitation for feedback to anyone that was not able to attend the Open Forum.

Your feedback will influence the following processes:

  1. The process ACESDV uses to select members to serve on a Grant Selection Committee who will review all applications submitted for the MARPA COVID 19 Grant Funds (Competitive Grant) and make recommendations to Maricopa County, which has the final approval.
  2. The process ACESDV and the Grant Selection Committee will use to review the applications.

Our hope is your participation in this process will lead to joint decision-making that will impact the programs that survivors have access to.

Please read the PowerPoint presentation from the Open Forum detailing the processes ACESDV is proposing then complete the Participatory Grantmaking Survey.  

Reading the presentation and completing the survey will take between 10-15 minutes depending on your feedback.

Click here for ACESDV Open Forum Participatory Grantmaking Presentation.

To complete Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Participatory Grantmaking Survey please click here:   Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Participatory Grantmaking Survey

Information about the MARPA Covid 19 Grant Funds- Competitive Grant.

The grant invests in proposed new or expanded programs to support: Community Based Services, Shelter Services, Lay Legal/Legal Services, Counseling Services, Hotline/Helpline, Direct Financial Assistance, and all other services that promote support and healing for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence within Maricopa County, Arizona.

These funds are intended to support a system change in services that prioritize community-based services over shelter-based services.

Total funding for this category is $6,520,000 over three years. The RFGA for this grant is closed.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Tammy Ashcraft- Grants Administrator at tammy@acesdv.org

ACESDV thanks you for your time and support and truly appreciate your participation in this process.

 

MARPA Competitive Grant Announcement

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NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV)
issues the
Maricopa County Domestic Violence Reduction Program Grant Funds Application (Competitive Grant)
 RGFA (Request for Grant Funds Application) Solicitation for the
Maricopa County American Rescue Plan Funds.

The grant invests in proposed new or expanded programs to support: Community Based Services, Shelter Services, Lay Legal/Legal Services, Counseling Services, Hotline/Helpline, Direct Financial Assistance, and all other services that promote support and healing for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence within Maricopa County, Arizona.

  • Prospective Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the RFGA in its entirety before submitting Applications, to ensure that all requirements in the RFGA are understood prior to preparing application materials.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS/APPLICATION GUIDE

Click the link Maricopa County Domestic Violence Reduction Program Grant Funds Application (Competitive Grant)

SOLICITATION DUE DATE/TIME:

  • The deadline for submission of an application is on or before 5:00 pm (Arizona time) on January 31st, 2022.

PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE CALL

SUBMITTAL LOCATION

GRANT TERM:

  • Grant term date is November 1, 2021, ending on October 31st, 2022.

Eligible Applicants:

Non-profit Organizations, Native American Tribal Communities, and School districts or higher education organizations that provide services to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence within Maricopa County.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicant Agency is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
  • Applicant Agency is a qualified domestic and/or sexual violence service provider.
  • Applicant Agency is required to serve residents of Maricopa County.
  • Applicant Agency certifies its service standards and policies follow the Arizona Domestic Violence Service Standards and/or Arizona Sexual Violence Service Standards. Links to Arizona Service Standards are under the Definition Section in the Application Instructions Guide.

Contact Person: Tammy Ashcraft, Program Administrator-Grants, Email: tammy@acesdv.org

Press Release: Rescue Plan Funds Will Address Homelessness, Domestic Violence and More in Arizona

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Democrats Deliver COVID-19 Relief for Arizonans
Rescue Plan Funds Will Address Homelessness, Domestic Violence and More 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE| November 3rd, 2021

PHOENIX— In an effort to bring critical relief to thousands of Arizonans still struggling with the pandemic, the Senate Democratic Caucus has directed more than $32.8 million from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to non-profit organizations working to end homelessness and provide domestic violence services. 

Governor Ducey announced the funding allocations as part of a larger package of federal housing relief in partnership with the Senate Democratic Caucus. Earlier this year, Governor Ducey agreed to work with legislative Democrats to direct $90 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to agencies or organizations selected and vetted by the caucuses, which the House and Senate split evenly. Today’s announcement was the first disbursement of  those Democratic Caucus funding requests. 

“Senate Democrats know that Arizonans are still hurting from the pandemic and need immediate relief with everything from housing support to domestic violence resources,” said Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Rios. “Our caucus worked tirelessly to identify and vet organizations across our state that are qualified and capable of bringing direct support to Arizona’s families, children and workers. We’re grateful to President Biden and Congressional Democrats for bringing these funds to Arizona and want to get them to where they belong, which is with the people of Arizona. We look forward to more announcements on how Democrats are bringing COVID relief to Arizona in the near future.”

The funded requests from the Senate Caucus include:

  • $10 million to distribute to counties for general services to provide services and resources to those experiencing homelessness.
  • $3.3 million to Native American Connections (NAC), which offers services related to behavioral health, affordable housing and community development. The funding supports the acquisition of a 58-bed transitional housing facility in the West Valley for those experiencing homelessness and low-income youth and seniors. While utilizing the transitional housing, the individuals gain the skills and time needed to locate and secure permanent housing.  The Governor also added an additional $3.9 million in funds to Native American Connections.  
  • $7.5 million to distribute to counties for domestic violence provider services, providing safe housing options for survivors in need of support.  
  • $4 million to distribute to domestic violence providers specifically serving Native American Tribes. 
  • $5 million for Chicano Por La Causa to hire personnel who will assist with rental applications and housing relocation and provide referrals to other community resources. 
  • $2.5 million for Home Matters to Arizona to expand affordable housing options and to support providers that focus on transitional, homeless and domestic abuse shelters.  
  • $500,000 to provide safe and reliable housing to LGBTQ youth in need of shelter. 

PRESS CONTACT
Josselyn Berry
602-376-5705
JBerry@AZLeg.gov