October marks 25 years since the Maricopa Association of Governments, known as MAG, created a regional council focused on ending domestic violence, in response to a local tragedy.
In 1998, Laura Muñoz tried to leave her abusive husband. After being turned away from shelters because there weren’t enough beds for her and her six children, Muñoz returned home. Her husband stabbed her to death in front of their kids. Muñoz’s story shocked the region into action.
“Our system is not as fragmented and siloed as it was 25 years ago,” D.C. Ernst, chair of MAG’s regional domestic violence council, said.
In 1999, MAG brought together governments, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, healthcare and service providers and others to form a regional council to address and prevent domestic violence.
Ernst recently shared information with the Phoenix City Council about key actions taken, including developing a training curriculum for crisis response teams working with children who witness domestic violence, along with a model of best practices for police.
“Years later, this model is still making a difference. And the ability to hold abusers accountable through the criminal justice system,” Ernst said.
Every year, Phoenix collaborates with dozens of groups for its “Paint Phoenix Purple Campaign” to provide resources, activities and support services. Events are being held across the Valley to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can call the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence help line at 602-279-2980 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 800-799-7233.
If you are a victim of sexual violence you can call the Arizona hotline at 602-279-2980 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline 24 hours a day at 800-656-4673.
