PHOENIX — This October, Arizona is coming together to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month and take a stand against all forms of violence through the 10th Lighting Arizona Purple Campaign, an initiative of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF).
A 2017 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that almost 40% of people in Arizona had been subject to domestic abuse. The campaign provides an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence, connect Arizonans to critical resources, and show support for survivors. As part of the campaign, the Arizona State Capitol Executive Tower will be lit purple throughout the month. Arizona agencies, businesses, and communities are encouraged to illuminate buildings and homes in purple to support survivors.
"Working with domestic violence survivors was one of the most impactful experiences of my career,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Helping run the Sojourner Center, a domestic violence shelter, I saw firsthand how compassion, support, and shelter can save lives, helping survivors of domestic violence regain dignity and find hope. I am grateful to all of the individuals and organizations across our state working to help people and families affected by domestic violence. Let’s not stop at lighting Arizona purple, but commit ourselves to providing the support and resources that survivors of domestic violence rely on."
“The Lighting Arizona Purple campaign creates an opportunity for Arizonans to learn more about domestic violence and show support for victims and the numerous organizations that provide services to those in need,” said the GOYFF Director Tonya Hamilton. “We are grateful for the statewide prevention, intervention, and victim-centered services that help keep our families and communities safe.”
The GOYFF held its 10th Annual Lighting Arizona Purple Kick-Off event, where attendees heard from Governor Hobbs’ Deputy Chief of Staff of Outreach and Engagement Tracy Lopes, the GOYFF Director Tonya Hamilton, and the 2024-2025 Governor’s Youth Commission President Aanya Venkat. It also featured a panel discussion moderated by Jenna Panas, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) chief executive officer (CEO) and newly appointed co-chair of the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence. Panelists included Barbara Strachan, Catholic Charities Program Manager; Valaura Imus-Nahsonhoya, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Program Coordinator from the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations; and Sergeant Francisco Saenz of the Yuma Police Department.
The GOYFF developed a toolkit with graphics and sample language for social media, the 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation for Arizona, and community events happening across the state throughout October. To download the toolkit, find more information, and access additional state and national resources, visit EndDV.AZ.gov.
If you are worried someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
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