ACESDV

End Sexual & Domestic Violence

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

31 Facts for 31 Days of DVAM 2022

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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

Press Release: Arizona Protective Order Timeline Extended Beginning September 24, 2022 Through H.B. 2604

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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: ACESDV Announces Four New Board Members

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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

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. 

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

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Volunteer Grant Selection Committee Members Needed

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Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is recruiting for  Grant Selection Committee Member  

In June of 2021, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) entered into a contract with Maricopa County, AZ to be the administrator of the Maricopa County Domestic Violence Reduction Program Grant Funds. We refer to these funds as the MARPA Covid 19 Grant Funds. Grant Funds are for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services within Maricopa County, AZ.  

ACESDV is recruiting volunteers to serve as Grant Selection Committee members to participate in the grant application process.  

ACESDV is engaging in Participatory Grantmaking to ensure that the Grant Selection Committee is diverse and inclusive to include community members and survivors in the decision process. Participatory Grantmaking is an approach to funding decisions and strategies that emphasizes a ‘nothing about us without us’ approach. It aims to shift power in grant-making decisions from organization staff to communities and those most affected by a social issue. 

Traditionally, the grant application review process includes only those who have deep knowledge about an issue and formal credentials; participatory grantmaking expands this definition to include people with lived experience as experts on issues affecting them. Participatory grantmaking sees all participants as grantmakers. 

ACESDV is recruiting for five individuals to serve on the Grant Selection Committee and two alternates that will participate in the process but will not make recommendations unless a committee member is unable to fulfill the requirements.  

Individuals interested in serving on the Grant Selection Committee will need to submit an application. The application is short, and no resume is required. Once all applications are received, the ACESDV Participatory Grant Making Committee will review all applications and make selections based on eligibility. All applicants will receive an email notification letting them know if they were selected. Those that are selected will receive an invitation to orientation training.

Potential Grant Selection Committee Members should be individuals who identify as survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence, community members who have experience working with sexual and/or domestic violence services, or community members who have knowledge of Participatory Grantmaking best practices or grant application review process.

Due to conflict of interest, individuals employed or affiliated with agencies that applied for this grant are not eligible to serve on the Grant Selection Committee. 

Qualifications and Responsibilities  

  • Attention to Details: Grant Review Committee members are expected to review and evaluate each application thoroughly and follow the criteria provided during the orientation training  
  • Have Availability – All Grant Selection Committee members are required to attend the orientation training, commit to the time needed for individual reviews and committee review meetings.  
  • Ability to be objective without bias- Grant Selection Committee Members are expected to score grant applications objectively without bias or regard to any prior relationships with the applying agencies, its employees, agents, or representatives.  
  • Able to maintain confidentiality- Each member of the Grant Selection Committee will be charged with the responsibility of protecting the applications and guaranteeing non-disclosure of any information or materials contained in the applications before, during, and after the grant application selection process — including their deliberations or recommendations to anyone outside of ACESDV and Grant Selection Committee.  
  • The Grants Selection Committee will review all application materials, including narratives, proposed budget, support materials, and applicants’ data. They will evaluate individual applications, score each application; present scores and comments then discuss applications at committee meeting (s). 
  • Grant Selection Committee members are expected to evaluate grant applications following criteria outlined by Maricopa County and convey their analysis of an application clearly and accurately when completing their individual scoring forms and preparing for the consensus discussions. 
  • All committee members will receive all grant applications and scoring sheets electronically to review unless otherwise requested. 
  • Grant Selection Committee members will be required to participate in virtual workgroups, where all committee members can post questions for discussion and/or clarification. Monitored by ACESDV Program Administrator-Grants.  
  • Once individual reviews are complete. The committee will meet to review/ discuss and complete the final scoring. The committee should never meet without an ACESDV staff member and meeting recorder present.  
  • Committee will submit written recommendations to ACEDSV’s Program Administrator-Grants  
  • ACESDV will submit Grant Selection Committee’s recommendations to Maricopa County 
  • This is a non-paying, volunteer position. The Grant Selection Committee will determine the timeframe needed to complete all application selections. (i.e., 15 hours for two weeks. or fewer hours per week over a month). Please note: This is based on the community’s feedback during the Open Forum Survey. 
  • Volunteers will receive a Letter of Volunteer Hours. 

If you are interested in serving on the ACESDV Grant Selection Committee, please click the link and complete the application.  

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 deeply appreciate your participation in this process.  

Apply via the online form application here. 

31 Facts for Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 2021

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We look forward to honoring domestic violence survivors this month along with our community and uplift the issue of domestic violence. Please see below for 31 facts for the 31 days of Domestic Violence 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. Please save the date of Thursday, October 21st to wear purple and honor domestic violence awareness month and survivors by wearing purple and posting on social media why this issue matters to you. 

Download 31 Facts for 31 Days of Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October 2021

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AZ Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Announces Extended Helpline Hours

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 21, 2021 

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 EXTENDED HELPLINE HOURS 

PHOENIX, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 – The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline announces extended hours on Tuesday evenings until 7:00pm (AZ time). 

The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline and Chat is available Monday – Friday 8:30a – 5:00p with extended hours on Tuesdays: 8:30a – 7:00p. The Helpline provides support, information, financial assistance, and referrals to survivors of sexual and domestic violence, friends and families, and advocates.  

The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline has been able to assist survivors of sexual and domestic violence with the unique challenges brought on by the global pandemic such as increased isolation and access to services. The health crisis brought a significant increase to the number of contacts reaching out to the Helpline with monthly numbers increasing an average of 23% throughout 2020, about 600 more calls/chats/texts throughout 2020. 2021 is seeing even more increases. June 2021 had the highest month of calls in the past decade and continue to increase by another 20%.  

“ACESDV is pleased to announce the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Helpline will now offer assistance to survivors on Tuesday evenings,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with even more survivors by offering additional availability.” 

The Helpline can be reached by phone (602) 279-2980 or (800) 782-6400, through SMS text: 520-720-3383 or online chat: www.acesdv.org/helpline. Assistance is provided in both English and Spanish. 

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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 Services Helpline and through phone, chat and text. 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: 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