The City of Phoenix Commemorates 25 years of Combating Domestic Violence

​​​The City of Phoenix commemorates 25 years of combating domestic violence in our community through extensive resources, awareness campaigns and survivor support. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The City of Phoenix has a long history of working to end domestic violence and promotes this work through the Strategic Initiatives Section of the Human Services Department. In 2013, the City of Phoenix created the "Roadmap to Excellence , " making the City a national leader in preventing and ending domestic violence.  

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego issued a proclamation making October 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation, along with a report of the City’s efforts was presented before today’s C ity Council Policy Session .  

"With the Paint Phoenix Purple initiative, we renew our commitment to raising awareness and providing support to end domestic violence in our community, said Mayor Kate Gallego. “ Together, we can create a safer and more caring city for each and every one of our residents."  

“Domestic v iolence does not discriminate, and anyone can be impact ed ,” said Human Services Director Jacqueline Edwards. “Ending the violence takes a community-wide approach to recognize even subtle signs of abuse and offer support so that victims can become survivors. ”  

The City collaborates with the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Domestic Violence Council and more than 50 community, private and public organizations to build initiatives including the annual “ Paint Phoenix Purple Campaign ” in October.  The City provides educational resources, activities, and support services for victims including workshops on recognizing signs of abuse, support groups for survivors, and community events.  ​

One in four women and one i n 10 men will experience sexual or physical violence or stalking by and intimate partner. The City of Phoenix Police Department received over 33,000 domestic violence calls for service in 2023.   

“Paint Phoenix Purple exists to shine a light on a dark issue,” said Strategic Initiatives Manager Raquel Wind. “Abuse thrives in silence, so we want to encourage conversations about domestic violence to promote education and prevention.”  

Since 1999, the City of Phoenix’s Family Advocacy Center (FAC) has been available for victims of d omestic violence. The FAC provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and other violent incidents. The centralized location of the FAC allows victims to receive a variety of resources from multiple agencies, including the Human Services Department and the Police Department. In addition, the Human Services Department has mobile victim advocates who can meet with victims or their families within the community.    

To learn more, or if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to the below for help.  ​

The Strategic Initiatives Section provides proactive messaging throughout the year for awareness and education on domestic violence, human trafficking, teen dating violence, sexual assault, and HIV/AIDS. Follow us on X and Facebook.