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