PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 30, 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 RELEASES 2022 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FATALITY REPORT
PHOENIX, May 30, 2023 – In 2022, The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) documented 101 known domestic violence-related fatalities across Arizona. Arizona consistently ranks among the top states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men. Between 2009 and 2022, there were 1,459 domestic violence related deaths. These tragedies represent a small fraction of the violence that occurs within intimate and family relationships and remind 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. The ACESDV Fatality Report is dedicated to those who have lost their lives from of domestic violence.
While each person is 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, victims of domestic violence are much like Taliyah:
Taliyah Kizzee, called TeeTee by friends and family, was only 20 years old and the youngest of six siblings. She made the decision to leave her boyfriend because he was controlling and physically abusive. Her ex-boyfriend, in searching for Taliyah after their breakup, threatened to shoot three of Taliyah’s family members and forced a family friend into a car, threatening to kill the friend and made them drive around to find Taliyah. Taliyah was shot and killed by her boyfriend in November of 2022, a victim of domestic violence and gun violence. Social media left after her death paints a portrait of a beautiful, charismatic young woman remembered as kind and funny by family and friends.
Each domestic violence fatality is identified by ACESDV using an online media monitoring service that uses topical keywords related to domestic violence to produce articles from around the state. 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 media publications.
The information gathered informs the work of ACESDV, and is used 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/2023/05/Fatality-Report-2022.pdf
To read prior years’ fatality 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 and www.arizonasurvivors.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