Mesa Domestic Violence Awareness Night Oct. 15 Will Honor Survivors and Remember Victims

October 5, 2026 at 8:58 am

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Mesa is hosting Domestic Violence Awareness Night on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Post, 26 N. Macdonald, to honor survivors and those lost to domestic violence.

"Domestic violence impacts families and communities across Mesa. This event raises awareness, supports survivors and strengthens our commitment to ending abuse and building a safer City for everyone," said Mayor Mark Freeman.

According to the Ariona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, approximately 42.6% of women and 33.4% of men in Arizona experience intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking in their lifetime.

Nationally, 41% of women and 26% of men experienced violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Data from U.S. crime reports suggest about one in five homicide victims is killed by an intimate partner.

"Prosecuting domestic violence crimes and seeking justice for those impacted by domestic violence is a top priority in our office. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important reminder that we all have a role to play in ending domestic violence and making our community safer," said City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins.

Representatives from more than 25 agencies will have displays and information about domestic violence awareness, including access to resources and services for victims.

The event will include remarks from Mayor Mark Freeman, Assistant Mesa Police Chief Jeffrey Cutler and Assistant City Prosecutor Austin Brooks. The keynote speaker is Crystal James, an Indigenous advocate, poet and survivor of domestic violence who is the Yeha:wi Service Center Director at Mother Nation, a non-profit organization that delivers social and cultural healing services for Native women.

The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil featuring purple candles and a performance by the Mesa Community College Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear purple in solidarity with domestic violence victims.

Mesa's Domestic Violence Awareness Night is hosted by the Mesa City Prosecutor's Office, Mesa Police Department and Mesa Family Advocacy Center, which coordinates resources to reduce the trauma of physical and sexual abuse.

For information and resources about domestic violence, visit MesaAZ.gov/DVawareness.