October Designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Gov. Hobbs

October 20, 2023

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

On Oct. 3, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs was joined by Gila River Indian Community’s Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, public officials, state agency employees, law enforcement, and service providers for a signing ceremony at the State Capitol, declaring the month of Oct. as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

“I was honored to attend the signing ceremony, alongside other advocates across the state of Arizona in honor of those victims and survivors of domestic violence,” said Lt. Gov. Antone, “It’s time we take a stand and bring attention to the issue.”

According to Gov. Hobbs’ proclamation, more than 52 million women and 49 million men in the United States have reported experiencing physical violence by an intimate partner.

One in two women and one in four men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. In 2022, there were 101 known domestic violence-related fatalities across the state. 

Thirty percent of children are exposed to intimate partner violence before the age of two, and an additional 26 percent are exposed between the ages of two and seven, creating adverse lifelong lasting effects.

Victims of domestic violence often experience significant short and long-term impacts, such as frequent headaches, post-traumatic stress symptoms, difficulty sleeping, chronic pain, and mental health effects. 

“As Governor, I will continue to look for ways to protect and support victims of domestic violence and their families, just as I have done throughout my career,” said Gov. Katie Hobbs, “Today, I could not be more proud to sign a proclamation officially declaring Oct. Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month can help reduce the occurrence of violence between intimate partners, support survivors, and reduce harm to individuals, families, and communities. 

“Today, I felt a heartfelt welcome by many I worked with in the past for the domestic violence commission,” said Lt. Gov. Antone, who in 2015 was assigned to the Domestic Violence Task Force for the State of Arizona to develop a consolidated state-wide plan to ensure coordinated and efficient use of resources to address domestic violence prevention, prosecution, and supportive services to victims.

Lt. Gov. Antone added, “Many have survived and some have passed due to violence, and it’s time to reflect and teach our children that it’s not normal to be in unhealthy relationships.”

As a symbol of unity and hope, the State Capitol’s Executive Tower will be lit purple throughout the month as part of the 9th Lighting Arizona Purple Campaign.

In collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) and the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women, the campaign provides an opportunity to support victims, connect families and communities with essential resources, and encourage Arizonans to end domestic violence.

“This work is vital to preventing domestic violence, building resilience, improving how to support survivors, and addressing the underlying causes of domestic violence and trauma in every corner of our state,” said Tonya Hamilton, Cabinet Executive Officer for GOYFF.