Phoenix, AZ – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Created more than 30 years ago, this four-week period focuses on three main goals; to celebrate those who have survived abuse, mourn those who have died because of domestic violence and work toward ending the violence.

This year the message comes at a time when there has been dramatic increase in submittals of domestic violence-related homicides and attempted homicides to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO.)

From January of 2020 through June of 2020, MCAO received 32 submittals from local law enforcement agencies for domestic violence-related homicides or attempted homicide. This same period in 2019 produced 16 submittals.

“This spike is alarming,” stated County Attorney Adel. “The impact that this pandemic has had on victims of domestic violence is real. These numbers show that people need help! Information is a powerful tool and my office is committed to not only prosecuting abusers but providing critical education and resources for victims of domestic violence and those who want to help.”

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors where one person uses their power to control the other. While frequency and severity can vary dramatically in each situation, one consistent component is abusers will try to maintain power and control over their partner. It is not isolated to any one gender, race, or economic situation. Domestic violence can be hard to identify because it can take many forms, including verbal, physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse.

Facts:

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• 1 in 3 female murder victims and 1 in 20 male murder victims are killed by an intimate partner.
• Every 44 minutes in Arizona, one or more children witness domestic violence.

For additional information and resources, visit the County Attorney's Domestic Violence webpage.

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