Domestic violence vigil Oct. 14 looks to assist women

The national numbers are downright staggering when it comes to domestic violence.

According to myriad of studies, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her life.

One report notes that an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. The bulk (73 percent) of family violence victims is female. Females were 84 percent of spousal abuse victims and 86 percent of abuse victims at the hands of a boyfriend. Finally, the cost of intimate partner violence tops $5.8 billion each year, just over $4 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services.

Officials will come together on Sunday, Oct. 14, 4:30 p.m., at the Global Water Facility, 22590 N. Powers Parkway, to bring attention to this issue as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mayor Kelly Anderson will read a proclamation, with guest speakers set to include District 15 Representative David Lujan, Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, Pinal County Supervisor David Snyder, Maricopa Police Chief Patrick Melvin and domestic violence survivors. There will also be resource tables with information for the community.

“A couple of months ago I went to the then city manager Rick Buss and told him that I was interested in having the city participate in National Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” LeeAnne Swanson, city manager’s office administrative assistant said. “He asked me to write a staff report which would outline what some other cities in the Valley had done in the past. As I began to speak with other cities, agencies and City of Maricopa staff, it became apparent that many people would support a domestic violence awareness event in Maricopa.”

Swanson said the first person she contacted was Cathy Cutter from Against Abuse, Inc. “Against Abuse, Inc. has been integral in providing services in this area and the state for many years,” Swanson said. “After many phone conversations, a tour of the shelter in Casa Grande and some brainstorming we decided on a candlelight vigil and resource event.”

According to Swanson, the event will provide information for families, not just women.

“Domestic violence crosses all boundaries; age, class, ethnicity and gender just to name a few,” Swanson noted. “The candlelight vigil will conclude the event and give some in attendance an opportunity to think about how they or someone they care for have been affected by domestic violence. It will give others an opportunity to think about how they can talk to children about what they have learned. Ultimately, the vigil will provide a solemn moment for everyone to really think about the issue of domestic violence.”

Swanson said she has been asked if she believes that victims of domestic violence will attend this event. “I don’t know, but I hope that those who do attend will walk away with information that may help someday help someone in an abusive situation,” Swanson said.

Swanson is hoping for a good turnout at the event, noting, “We have at least 100 candles for the event thanks to the Pinal Hispanic Council,” Swanson said. “My hope would be that we run out of candles. I hope that families in Maricopa and our neighboring communities will take advantage of all the information that will be made available.”

For further information, contact Swanson at (520) 568-9098, ext. 296.