Domestic Violence Awareness

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, also called "intimate partner violence", is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner in a romantic or family relationship. Abuse may be mental, emotional, physical, sexual, and/or economic in nature. This includes any combination of behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Incidents are rarely isolated, and usually escalate in frequency and severity. Domestic abuse may end in serious physical injury or death.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, gender, or religion. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Red Flags of Abuse

The following list includes warning signs that someone may be abusive. If you or a friend experience these behaviors from a partner, remember that it is not your fault and there are advocates waiting to help.

“Red flags” include someone who:

Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
Flatters you constantly early in the relationship and seems “too good to be true.”
Wants you all to themselves; insists that you stop spending time with your friends or family.
Insists that you stop participating in hobbies or activities, quit school, or quit your job.
Does not honor your boundaries.
Is excessively jealous and accuses you of being unfaithful.
Wants to know where you are all the time and frequently calls, emails, and texts you throughout the day.
Criticizes or puts you down; says you are crazy, stupid, fat, unattractive, or that no one else would ever want or love you.
Takes no responsibility for his or her behavior and blames others.
Has a history of abusing others.
Blames the entire failure of previous relationships on his or her former partner; for example, “My ex was totally crazy.”
Takes your money or runs up your credit card debt.
Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.

Abuse is never the fault of the victim, and it can be hard for many reasons, including safety, to end the relationship. If you experience these “red flags,” you can confide in a friend or reach out for support from a domestic violence advocate. If you believe a friend or relative is being abused, offer your nonjudgmental support and help.

(source: https://nnedv.org/content/red-flags-of-abuse)

Safety

There are several options and resources available to you for assistance with accessing greater safety and security. Implementing these options and resources often begins with establishing a safety plan.

Safety Planning

Safety planning is about brainstorming ways to stay safe that may also help reduce the risk of future harm for you, your children and/or your pets. It can include planning for a future crisis, considering your options, and making decisions about your next steps.

Safety planning may involve multiple resources and strategies and may include implementing tech safety, changing contact information, obtaining a protective order, acquiring personal safety devices, installing new door locks and/or home security systems, relocation, enrolling in an address confidentiality program, and building a support network of advocates, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers or other caring members of your community you can trust.

Online Safety Planning Guides

Safety Planning Apps

myPlan is a mobile app and safety planning tool, aimed to empower those affected by Intimate Partner Violence to make safety decisions regarding their abusive relationships.
DocuSAFE is a free app that helps survivors collect, store, and share evidence of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, and dating violence.
TechSafety is a free app containing information that can help someone identify technology-facilitated harassment, stalking, or abuse and includes tips on what can be done. It also includes additional resources on documenting abuse, talking with an advocate, contacting police, getting an attorney, and where to call for help.

Protective Orders

You can request a protective order by filling out a petition online at https://azpoint.azcourts.gov. If you need assistance with completing the petition or need safety planning or other resources, you may speak with one of our Victim Services Assistants at 480-644-2188.

Once you have submitted your petition, you will receive a confirmation number which you can bring to any court in Arizona. A judge will review your petition and decide whether it should be granted.

Protective orders are not in effect until they have been served upon the defendant and are valid for one year from the date of service. A defendant may request a hearing to contest an order at the court it was issued. If the plaintiff fails to attend the hearing, the order will be quashed.

There are two types of protective orders: an Order of Protection (OOP) and an Injunction Against Harassment (IAH).

Orders of Protection are issued when there is a domestic or romantic relationship between the petitioner (plaintiff) and the defendant (person you are getting the order against). These relationships include family, marriage, dating, previously romantic or sharing a household (living together/roommates). For an OOP to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of domestic violence were committed against you by the defendant in the past year. OOPs may be served by the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the defendant lives, or by a city contracted process server.

Injunctions Against Harassment are issued when the relationship between the plaintiff and defendant is not domestic, familial, or romantic. Some examples include neighbors, coworkers, friends, or strangers. For an IAH to be granted, you must be able to allege one instance of sexual violence or at least two incidents in the past year during which the defendant harassed you. IAHs are served by a process server hired by the victim. If the victim informs the court, they are unable to afford a Process Server, the court may waive the fee.

Address Confidentiality Program

The Arizona Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a program that helps victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking from being located by the perpetrator through public records. The program provides a substitute address and confidential mail forwarding service to individuals and families across Arizona.

Anyone interested in applying to the program must meet in person with a registered Application Assistant. VSU advocates are registered and qualified to assist victims with enrolling in ACP. If you would like to enroll in ACP, please contact our office at 480-644-2188.

Pet Safety Resources

When domestic violence survivors are ready to leave their abusers, many are faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves, their children, and their pets. Unfortunately, many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals. However, some resources are available. Pets can now be protected on court issued orders of protection, and several organizations assist with providing shelter, foster care or financial support to help domestic violence victims and their pets find a safe and secure place to live.

Resources and Support

Below is a list of local community agencies available to provide you with support. Community Resource Directories and 24-Hour Hotlines are a great place to start.