October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month, and we need your help to spread understanding of this issue. Let’s dig into the data to understand what’s happening across the country, in Arizona, and right here in Gilbert.
What is DV? What does it look like?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that includes the use of threats of violence and intimidation for the purpose of gaining power and control over another person. Domestic violence can happen to anyone in any community regardless of race, education level, religion, gender, etc. What are the warning signs?
Physical violence is not the only red flag. Warning signs can include jealousy, emotional abuse, sexual violence, controlling behavior, isolation, verbal abuse, threatening violence, or blame-shifting for feelings or problems.
The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically. However, one constant is the effort to maintain power and control over the other. The power and control wheel lists common domestic violence tactics an abusive partner will use to manipulate a relationship.
DV in Gilbert
In fiscal years 2017-2021, the Gilbert Police Department responded to 10,170 domestic-related calls for service.
Since Gilbert is a high residential area, Gilbert Police receive more domestic violence-related calls than they do for violent crimes.
In 2015, the Gilbert Police Department established the Family Violence Unit to help end domestic violence in the community. The unit is currently comprised of four detectives and one sergeant. They work side by side with Gilbert Youth and Adult Resources and other community partners to direct resources and provide assistance to victims and families of domestic violence.
The Family Violence Unit also utilizes the data from the crimes to better understand what is occurring in Gilbert and how to prevent it.
DV in Arizona
In May 2021, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) published its 15th annual Domestic Violence Counts National Summary, which gathered feedback from domestic violence programs in the U.S. that participated in the National Census of Domestic Violence Services.
NNEDV found in one 24-hour period, 1,863 victims of domestic violence, 313 people attended a prevention and education training, 256 hotline calls were answered, and 124 requests for a service were not provided because of lack of resources.
According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV), at least 86 people were killed in domestic violence-related homicides in Arizona in 2018. There are many resources provided in Arizona to help prevent DV and to assist victims and families. Visit ACESDV’s website to learn more.
DV in the United States
In the same study, NNEDV found that in the United States, 76,525 victims of domestic violence were served in one day, 10,091 people attended a prevention and education training, 21,321 hotline calls were answered, and 11,047 requests for service was not provided because of lack of resources.
More than ten million people a year are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a nonprofit organization that aims to support survivors of domestic violence and spread awareness. DV occurs every minute, every day, and the effects can last a lifetime.
10 million people a year are physically abused by an intimate partner.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
20,000 calls are placed a day to domestic violence hotlines.
20% of women in the United States have been raped.
Click here for more statistics on domestic violence.
Resources and How to Help
Domestic violence is a widespread issue affecting people in every community, even here in Gilbert.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the Gilbert Family Violence Unit is here to help #EndDV and spread awareness all year. If you think you or someone you know is a victim of DV, contact NCADV, watch to learn more, and/or access resources at gilbertaz.gov/dvam.
Want to show your support? Speak up to #EndDV! Here are a few ways you can help:
- Wear purple every Wednesday in October and on October 21, 2021 for National Domestic Violence Awareness Day.
- Show your support for Domestic Violence Awareness by placing a purple light outside your home and/or business. Purple lights can be found at many nearby stores and vendors.
- Visit the Gilbert Water Tower lit up purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (View schedule)
Be sure to follow along on the Gilbert Police Department’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts as we’ll be sharing more information related to DV awareness throughout the month of October.
Community Safety
The statistics on domestic violence are truly alarming, and it’s commendable that Gilbert is taking proactive steps to address this issue. The Gilbert Family Violence Unit’s efforts, especially in collaboration with community partners, are crucial in providing support and resources to victims. It’s also heartening to see the community come together to spread awareness, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I’ll be wearing purple this October and encouraging others to do the same. Let’s all play our part in ending DV.
My daughter has been involved in a DV relationship with her boyfriend. I am seeking justice and resources for her.
I am wondering if someone else than me, would help her understand that these guys don’t change and should stay away from them completely.
It is so sad that schools don’t teach on how to recognize the patters or actions from a DV person. Our High Schools should have a mandatory training to prevent any casualties and continued mistreatments.
Also they should be teaching the young man how to treat a lady and never to hit them or mentally, sexually and physical abuse them ever!!!
It is so sad how the numbers keep escalating instead of declining.
I am willing to volunteer my spare time in helping out with awareness, etc..
Thank you!
Would have been interesting to see annual DV cases shown based on per capita numbers. One would expect numbers to increase as populations increase. The real question is…. Did the numbers increase or decrease on a per capita basis?
I would like to be involved and help any way I can .
Thank you for your interest in helping the community, Betty! We recommend reaching out to one of the organizations on our website (gilbertaz.gov/dvam) for more opportunities to get involved.