Community

Domestic violence shelter still in works; needs key staff, contractor

Aug 14, 2013

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Despite continued delays, a domestic violence shelter to house victims seeking a safe place to live is still in the works for Maricopa.

The shelter is going to be run by Against Abuse, Inc. a nonprofit from Casa Grande serving people from Pinal County dedicated to helping individuals recover from the effects of violence in the family since 1986.

Patricia Griffen, executive director of Against Abuse, Inc., said the group currently is seeking a full-time domestic violence counselor and case manager for Maricopa’s shelter.

The outpatient position requires someone willing to work in groups and one-on-one, as well as working with the Maricopa Police Department, Maricopa Unified School District, and other social services in the area.

“There has been a slow response, however we are hopeful just the right person is out there,” Griffen said.

After nine years of planning and three years after first breaking ground at the building site, Against Abuse, Inc. is looking for contractors to help build the shelter, which will be in a secret location to preserve victims’ safety. The new shelter will have bedrooms, a kitchen and a laundry facility.

MPD spokesman Ricky Alvarado said domestic violence calls make up a large part of the department’s daily calls for service and the altercations are spread throughout the city.

In May, police had 1,835 calls for service and 62 were for domestic violence – the highest number per month Maricopa has seen during the past year.

There were 44 domestic violence calls in June.

The term “domestic violence” is a modifier for any charge that involves the defendant being in a domestic partnership with the victim: