Domestic Violence Information and Resources in Arizona

Domestic violence involves abuse within the home and can impact intimate partners as well as children. These patterns of behavior are utilized to gain power and maintain control over a spouse or intimate partner and can involve physical violence, emotional abuse, isolation, economic abuse, using children, technological abuse and or sexual coercion. In the state of Arizona, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have dealt with contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. There were around 101 domestic violence related homicides in the year 2022. 

Many of the requests for services to aid individuals experiencing domestic violence involve housing. Emergency shelters are confidential shelter facilities which provide a safe space for those escaping domestic abuse. At the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse shelter in Tucson, Arizona, participants receive food, clothing, emotional support and safety planning assistance, support with planning their next steps, as well as referrals to other agencies. More information about Emerge can be accessed through their website here. 

 Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc. (SALA) provides civil legal aid for a variety of civil legal issues including eviction, foreclosure, public benefits denial, guardianship of children in your care, Orders of Protection (restraining order) for victims of domestic violence, divorce, and child support issues. Individuals may apply online through the SALA website to determine their eligibility for receiving free legal counseling and advice; limited assistance such as help completing legal documents; self-help classes and clinics; referrals to pro bono attorneys; representation in court. The organization works to make civil legal services available to those with limited financial means, including individuals with disabilities, and provides translators for all languages. 

Overall, there are many ways to get involved and aid individuals experiencing domestic violence, as well as access help for oneself or others facing intimate partner violence. Since October is domestic violence awareness month, there are a variety of events in the state of Arizona for those wishing to get involved. 

• On October 14^th, Coffee Times will donate 25% of every sale to Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse, 
• On October 21^st, there will be a “Stuff the Bus” and Resource Fair event at the Loft Cinema where community members can donate toiletries, clothing, and more. 
• On October 28^th, the Sun City Boutique Sale will be donating all proceeds to Emerge. The full Domestic Violence Awareness Month events calendar can be accessed here. 

Additional resources regarding domestic violence include the following:

1. The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers food and medical assistance, refugee resettlement, shelter and housing, domestic violence support and sexual violence support. More information can be found on their website here. 

2. The Arizona Coalition to End Domestic Violence has a variety of resources including career opportunities, education, and training, as well as ways for community members to take action. Their website can be accessed here. 
3. The Arizona Adult Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse, exploitation, and neglect of vulnerable adults. Additional information about APS can be found here.