Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

"Domestic Violence is a Crime which affects people of every race, religion, sex, and financial status. Domestic violence destroys any family or relationship it touches, unless it is recognized, treated and stopped!"

Domestic violence can take many forms from beatings, sexual assault, molestation, and even murder. Specific offenses covered include assault of any kind, threatening and intimidating, kidnap or false imprisonment, and trespass.  The law also protects family members against fighting, unreasonable noise, abusive language and reckless use of a weapon or dangerous instrument.

Because of the family relationship, victims of domestic violence usually feel afraid, ashamed, and embarrassed.  Many are convinced that they did something to deserve the abusive treatment and most feel powerless to change the situation or escape from it.  Everyone in a family affected by domestic violence wants to believe that each incident of violence will be the last.

Unfortunately, statistics show that the violence tends to become more frequent and more severe with each occurrence.

It is important to remember domestic violence is a crime and there is no need to suffer in silence.  Help is available for both the victim and the offender.

There are provisions in the domestic violence law which permit police officers to arrest the offender based on evidence that an offense has occurred.  The officer does not have to witness the offense.  This law also provides that an offender may be arrested even if the victim is unwilling to press charges.  These are important factors in protecting the victims from repeated violence and helps to break the cycle of abuse.

Who is affected by the law?

 Arizona Revised Statutes defines the affected relationships involved as follows:

1. The relationship between the victim and the defendant is one of marriage or former marriage or of persons residing or having resided together in the same household.
2. The victim and the defendant have a child in common.
3. The victim or the defendant is pregnant by the other party.
4. The victim is related to the defendant or the defendant's spouse by blood or court order as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister, or by marriage as a parent-in-law, grandparent-in-law, stepparent, step-grandparent,  stepchild, step-grandchild, brother-in-law or sister-in-law.
5. The victim is a child who resides or has resided in the same household as the defendant and is related by blood to a former spouse of the defendant or to a person who resides or who has resided in the same household as the defendant.

Things to consider in a domestic violence situation:

• If you are being beaten or anticipate an attack, leave the scene immediately. Go to a neighbor, friend, or relative for temporary shelter and notify the police.

• Seek medical attention immediately if you are seriously injured.  Even if your injuries are minor, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be obvious to you.  Tell the doctor exactly how the injuries happened and make sure he or she notes this in your records.

• You may want to talk to someone who can advise you on the availability of family shelters or give you emotional support.  These agencies can put you in touch with the help you need

• Accept the fact that you can't solve the problem by fighting back or trying harder to be perfect.  Instead, consider turning to the protection that is rightfully yours by law.

For your safety call the police

When a police officer arrives, describe what happened.  Tell the officer about any injuries such as bruises, cuts, redness, or tender areas.  Also let the officer know if anyone else witnessed the incident and can support your statement.  The officer will decide if there is enough evidence to make an arrest.

If arrested, the offender will be taken away and secured until appearing before a magistrate who will determine the terms and conditions of the release.

Once an offense is referred to the courts for action, you, the victim, will be kept informed of all aspects of the proceedings according to the victims' rights law.  Victims of crime are encouraged to participate in the judicial process.

The penalties for an offender found guilty of domestic violence related crime vary greatly.  The court may be able to order the offender into a counseling program to begin breaking the cycle of violence.

Order of Protection

Family Advocacy Center

The Phoenix Police Department's Victim Services Unit is located at the City Family Advocacy Center to provide advocacy and counseling services.  This center, located at 2120 North Central Avenue, also provides victims the opportunity to obtain a variety of additional services without having to travel to multiple locations.  These include investigative services, assistance with an Order of Protection, crisis counseling, support groups and shelter access and emergency housing assistance.  For more information on the services provided, please call the Family Advocacy Center at 602- 534-2120.

Referrals/Advice

• Family Advocacy Center 602-534-2120

• Information and Referral   602-263-8856

• Catholic Social Services  602-997-6105

• Interfaith Counseling  602-248-9247

• Jewish Family Services  602-257-1904

• LDS Social Services 480-968-2995

• Salvation Army 602-267-4130

• Valle de Sol 602-258-6797

• International Refugee Contortion 602-248-0511

• AZ International Refugee Contortion 602-246-6556

Crisis/Emergency Help

• CASA Rape/Assault (Emergency) 602-254-9000

• COMCARE (Emergency) 602-222-9444

• Parents Anon.  Family Life Line 602-273-0786

Drug/Alcohol Abuse

• Alanon Family Information 602-249-1257

• Alcoholics Anonymous 602-264-1341

Family Shelters/Counseling

• Chrysalis 602-944-4999

• Faith House 623-939-6798

• My Sister's Place 480-821-1024

• Sojourner Center 602-244-0089

• De Colores 602-269-1515

Temporary Shelter for Children

• Child Protective Services 602-530-1800

• Crisis Nursery 602-273-7363

• East Valley Crisis Nursery 480-696-2308

(all numbers verified 12-12-2000)