CVS kicks-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Governance Center

October 6, 2017

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

Gila River Indian Community’s Crime Victim Services (CVS) and Human Resources Department kicked-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Governance Center’s lobby on Oct. 2, which featured a “Quilts To Healing” project allowing participants to create their own fabric panel with a personalized message and add it to the Community Quilt.

During the event Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, a long time supporter of domestic violence awareness and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), talked about how thankful she was to the CVS staff for their work in the Community, emphasizing that women need to work together to get through situations of domestic violence and find the tools needed to heal.

She added the tribe recently received notice of federal funding from the United States Department of Justice, which will allow GRIC to execute VAWA. This will enable GRIC to prosecute non-Natives that commit acts of domestic violence against Community members within the tribal boundary.

Robin Begaye, CVS Coordinator, said the month of October is a time to increase awareness about the serious issue, educate the Community, and support survivors of domestic violence.

To help spread awareness, CVS has handed out 700 purple ribbons to tribal departments, including the Gila River Fire Department, Gila River Police Department, and many more.

Begaye said people might think it is easy to leave an abusive relationship, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.

“There are many factors involved in leaving a violent relationship,” said Begaye. “There are children involved, family connections, and many times victims are isolated by their abuser and they feel they have no support.”

Throughout the month of October, CVS will be putting on a variety of events, including “In Her Shoes”, an interactive educational tool allowing participants to experience what it is like to be a victim of domestic violence, and will be held on Oct. 11 at the Governance center from 11 a.m. – 2p.m.

Oct. 19 is Wear Purple Day, to show support for those experiencing domestic violence and to help bring awareness to the issue.

On Oct. 21, the Domestic Violence Awareness Fair will be held at the District 5 Service Center from 8 a.m. to 1p.m.

For more information call CVS at (520)562-4106.