ACESDV

End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Press Release: ACESDV Offers Opportunity for Sexual Assault Survivors to be Reimbursed for Medical Expenses

By

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 13, 2023
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 OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES

PHOENIX, September 13, 2023 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is pleased to announce with funding from the Office of the Governor, a program to reimburse sexual assault survivors for medical expenses incurred due to the assault.

Survivors and victims of sexual assault report that they incur the medical expenses associated with an assault such as emergency room treatment or treatment for injuries sustained during the assault. While costs for a forensic medical exam are covered by each county, any other medical costs are not, leaving a victim/survivor with a sometimes onerous bill. Recognizing that victims and survivors of sexual assault need assistance, but not having a scope of the problem in Arizona, a pilot program was proposed to both assist survivors as well as to determine the extent of the need across the state.

The Sexual Assault Reimbursement Program (SARP) was launched early September 2023 giving sexual assault survivors an opportunity to be reimbursed for medical expenses related to the assault they experienced.   The program can cover medical costs from the initial visit and follow-up care for physical injuries, lab work associated with aftercare, medication such as those for HIV prevention or prophylaxis, emergency contraception, medical transportation, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

“ACESDV is incredibly thankful to have funding to provide direct financial assistance to sexual assault survivors for medical cost reimbursement,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “No survivor should ever have to incur medical debt or additional costs related to a crime committed against them and their body. We are thrilled to be able to offer survivors additional support as they heal both emotionally and physically from their assault.”

Eligibility criteria for sexual assault survivors to receive medical reimbursement includes:

  • The assault occurred on or after January 1st, 2022
  • The assault occurred OR patient received acute medical treatment in the state of Arizona 
  • Patient sought and received a Medical Forensic Exam (MFE) following sexual assault 
  • If patient sought a Medical Forensic Exam but was not able to receive one, certification of such must be provided by medical staff, medical billing department, and/or victim advocate 
  • In addition to a medical forensic exam, the patient received medical treatment for related injuries within 30 days of assault 
  • Patient must be 18 years or older at the time of application to receive reimbursement.
  • If patient is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must apply for reimbursement on the patient’s behalf 
  • Patient does NOT need to report to law enforcement to be eligible for reimbursement under SARP

To fill out the application for reimbursement or for additional information, please visit: https://arizonasurvivors.org/sarp/.

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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

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

By

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 Announces Four New Board Members

By

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