Domestic Violence Resources in Arizona
In 2013, the Phoenix Police Department reported receiving 50,000 domestic violence calls. However, an estimated additional 40,000 incidents of domestic violence go unreported each year. Nationally, our state ranks fourth for the rate of female domestic violence homicides. Source: Sojourner Center.org which also assists victims of domestic violence in Arizona.
According to recent Nat’l Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) statistics, domestic violence in Arizona and elsewhere continues to be a serious problem:
- In 2013, there were 123 domestic violence-related deaths in Arizona. In 2014, there were 109 such deaths.
- 19% of domestic violence acts involve a weapon. A firearm in the home during a domestic violence incident increases the homicide risk by about 500%.
- Between 2003 and 2008, 142 women in the U.S. were murdered where they worked by their abuser.
- Arizona ranked eighth for calls to the Nat’l Domestic Violence Hotline in 2012; Phoenix accounted for 41% of those calls.
- In their lifetimes, 1-in-3 women and 1-in-4 men in the U.S. will have been victims of domestic violence by an intimate partner.
- During their lifetimes, 1-in-4 women and 1-in-7 men in the U.S. will have suffered severe physical violence from an intimate partner.
- Of all violent crime, intimate partner violence accounts for 15%.
- Of those physically abused by an intimate partner, only 34% receive medical care for injuries.
- Of the 19.3 million women and 5.1 million men in the U.S. who will have been stalked in their lifetimes, 60.8% of women and 43.5% of men reported being stalked by a current or former intimate partner.
- Every year, 1-in-15 children are exposed to domestic violence, 90% of them are eyewitnesses.
We think of domestic abuse as purely physical violence or threats of physical harm, but it’s much broader than that. There is economic abuse, stalking, psychological abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.
One of the saddest legacies of domestic violence is the impact on kids. Many abused children are witness to the abuse of a parent and later become abusive themselves or become victims of domestic violence again. This is the tragic cycle of domestic violence.
For your safety and the safety of your children, you must seek help if you are being abused or suspect abuse is taking place. If you are in danger, DIAL 911.
Domestic Violence Programs in Arizona
Visit any of the links below to learn more about domestic violence programs in Arizona:
- Arizona Judicial Branch: Protective Order Forms
- Arizona Department of Economic Security, Domestic Violence Programs
- New Social Security Number For Domestic Violence Victims
- ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence
- Domestic Violence Safety Plan (for adult victims)
- Domestic Violence Safety Plan (for child victims)
Need Assistance With Domestic Violence?
To get more help, these are some organizations with additional resources. Reach out for assistance to:
2800 N. Central Ave., Suite 1570, Phoenix, AZ 85004 Legal Advocacy
Helpline: 800-782-6400 or 602-279-2900 (Phoenix) or 602-279-7270 (TTY)
Hours: M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
- Community Information and Referral (Arizona 2-1-1)
800-799-7739 (for area codes 602, 623, 480)
800-352-3792 (for area code 520)
800-799-7233 OR 800-799-SAFE
800-787-3224 (TDD)
24/7/365 Live Chat Services
- Pathways to Safety International (for abused American women and children living overseas)
24/7 International Toll-Free Hotline: 833-SAFE-833 (833-723-3833)
E-mail: crisis@pathwaystosafety.org
- Arizona Humane Society Project Safe House (temporary foster care for pets of domestic violence victims)
602-997-7585 Ext. 134
E-mail: alternativeplacement@azhumane.org
For further assistance, contact your local shelter and develop a safety plan.