Welcome to the Phoenix Family Advocacy Center (FAC) Web site. The FAC is a multi-disciplinary center that serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, homicide, traffic fatalities and aggravated assault. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month dedicated to educating the community about domestic violence. October is dedicated to honoring victims who have survived abuse as well as the many victims who have died as a result of domestic violence. Until recently, domestic violence has been treated as a crime that involves married couples, two people with a biological child in common or blood relatives. With the 2009 passage of SB1088 - Kaity's Law, the crime of domestic violence now extends to persons in dating and romantic relationships. Since the time the first domestic violence statutes were passed in Arizona, a new reality has come to light; that is the reality of domestic violence in dating relationships. This violence can impact a broad group in every community including middle and high school adolescents as well as college-age young adults. Though the core elements of isolation, coercion and control are present in all domestic violence, adolescent and young adult dating relationships are particularly vulnerable to relationship violence when considering the numerous developmental tasks facing these populations. Though each young person will have their own developmental path and pace on that path, every young person is negotiating a common set of developmental tasks that may include: looking for a personal identity (which includes how one is perceived sexually and how one looks physically), a sense of purpose and connection to others, acceptance by a peer group, independence and a belief that he/she is invincible. The very nature of all that faces adolescents on the road to adulthood makes them vulnerable to abusive relationships. As a parent, grandparent, older sibling or other caring person, I encourage you to talk openly and often to the adolescents and young adults in your life. Stay aware of what is going on in their lives, who their friends are, who they are interested in or seeing romantically. Listen more than talk and it will help you identify any red flags that indicate that a young person may be involved in a physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually abusive relationship. The Family Advocacy Center staff can provide information and resources for adolescents, young adults and those who care about them. All services are provided at no cost, in a confidential setting. Call 602-534-2120 and ask to speak to a victim advocate for information and assistance. Last modified on 10/09/2009 17:00:31 |
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