As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Mesa is hosting Domestic Violence Awareness Night Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., to honor survivors and those lost to domestic violence.
"Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on individuals and families in Mesa, and this event is intended to raise awareness of that impact and to help stop violence before it occurs," said Mesa Mayor John Giles.
According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, there have been 59 deaths due to domestic violence in Arizona in 2021, including seven in Mesa.
Representatives from at least 18 agencies will have displays and information pertaining to domestic violence awareness, including access to resources and services for victims.
"Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important reminder that everyone must help put an end to this problem in our community. Our office makes prosecuting domestic violence crimes a top priority and provides services to victims throughout our community. All victims of domestic violence, whether there is a pending criminal case or not should feel comfortable to come to us for help," said City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins.
The event will include remarks from Mayor Giles; Mesa City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins; Mesa Police Commander Michael Bellows; Shelly Ward, Victim Services Advocate at the Mesa Family Advocacy Center and two survivors of domestic violence who will share their stories. The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil featuring purple candles. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear purple in solidarity to domestic violence victims.
The event is hosted by the Mesa City Prosecutor's Office, Mesa Police Department and Mesa Family Advocacy Center. The Mesa Family Advocacy Center brings together police, social workers, Department of Child Safety, Office of Child Welfare Investigations, prosecuting attorneys and on-site physicians who work to assist victims and help reduce the trauma of physical and sexual abuse.
For information and resources about domestic violence, visit https://www.mesaaz.gov/government/city-attorney/city-prosecutor-s-office/domestic-violence-awareness.
Contact: Ana Pereira
(480) 644-2069
ana.pereira@mesaaz.gov