Mesa, AZ – As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the City of Mesa is hosting Domestic Violence Awareness Night Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., to honor survivors and those lost to domestic violence.
“Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on individuals and families in Mesa, and this event is intended to raise awareness of that impact and to help stop violence before it occurs,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles.
According to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, there have been 66 deaths due to domestic violence in Arizona in 2022, including three in Mesa.
Representatives from 32 agencies will have displays and information pertaining to domestic violence awareness, including access to resources and services for victims.
“Prosecuting domestic violence crimes is a top priority in our office and Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a reminder that everyone must help put an end to this problem in our community,” said City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins.
The event will include remarks from Mayor Giles; Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost; Mesa Presiding Magistrate John Tatz; Mesa City Prosecutor Paul Hawkins; Shelly Ward, Victim Services Advocate at the Mesa Family Advocacy Center and Jessica Nicely, Founder of Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation and a survivor of domestic violence who will share her story. The program will conclude with a candlelight vigil featuring purple candles. Everyone attending is encouraged to wear purple in solidarity to domestic violence victims.
The event is hosted by the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, Mesa Police Department and Mesa Family Advocacy Center. The Mesa Family Advocacy Center brings together police, social workers, Department of Child Safety, Office of Child Welfare Investigations, prosecuting attorneys and on-site physicians who work to assist victims and help reduce the trauma of physical and sexual abuse.
For information and resources about domestic violence, visit https://www.mesaaz.gov/government/city-attorney/city-prosecutor-s-office/domestic-violence-awareness.
