Domestic Violence Survivors Benefit from $15 Million Investment

October 2022

Video: Domestic Violence Survivor Story

Domestic violence, in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and financial control and abuse, affects the family and the community- sometimes with consequences spanning generations. According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV):

• Every year, approximately 100 Arizonans will lose their lives in domestic violence-related incidents.
• More than 40% of domestic violence abuse victims delay leaving a dangerous situation because they are worried about the safety of their pet.
• Individuals who witnessed intimate partner violence as children are more likely to become either victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence.
• The most dangerous time during a domestic violence relationship is when a survivor tries to leave.

To ensure that there are ample support services and safe places available for survivors, Maricopa County made a $15 million investment in 2021.

“I’m pleased to see this partnership with ACESDV is making a difference in terms of people’s safety, health, and extending access to services into the community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “Over the past year, we’ve provided domestic violence survivors with the support and resources they need to leave unhealthy and abusive situations. I’m proud of our efforts to care for some of our most vulnerable community members.”

Throughout the last year, the funding provided by Maricopa County has facilitated meaningful change by bringing many of the support services, that were traditionally only accessible in shelters, into the community. This evolution has allowed the system to keep pace with the changes needs of survivors by making resources more widely available. In partnership with ACESDV, this progress includes providing services to more than 31,913 families impacted by domestic and sexual violence, including:

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing to more than 1,967 individuals/families
• Legal assistance to more than 841 individuals/families
• Financial assistance to more than 133 individuals/families
• Trauma-informed counseling to more than 211 individuals/families
• Community-based employment and childcare services to more than 24,712 individuals/families

“​The pandemic caused some victims of domestic violence ​to remain in unhealthy relationships or even dangerous households because they did not want to put themselves and their children at risk of contracting COVID-19 by living at a shelter ​where support services were traditionally centered,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5. “This systems change ​removes a big barrier since it has changed how and where support services are available, allowing survivors of domestic abuse to seek ​support services ​from community providers so they can put a plan in place to escape their abuser without ​requiring relocation to a shelter.”

“The Maricopa ARPA funds have provided support to critical services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence,” said Juana Galeno, Chief Financial Officer, ACESDV. “These funds have not only assisted survivors with basic needs but have prevented survivors and their families from being evicted from their home and have allowed them access to safety during the most critical times of their lives.”

Arizonans in need of help to leave their situation, heal from the effects of sexual or domestic violence, or secure help for someone at risk can call the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline Monday through Friday at (602) 279–2980 or text (520) 720–3383 or visit ACESDV.org/Helpline. Help is also available nationwide:

• 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800–799-SAFE (7233)
• 24 Hour National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800–656-HOPE (4673)
• 24 Hour National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888–373–7888

About Maricopa County Human Services

The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) builds resiliency in the community and promotes the well-being of County residents experiencing adversity through a variety of programs and services to help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers, workforce development services for businesses, and support for people experiencing homelessness. HSD is committed to delivering innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that preserves dignity, promotes respect, and facilitates social and economic mobility. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to Maricopa County residents at Maricopa.gov/HSD.