“Why doesn’t she just leave?” is the question often asked by people who don’t understand the complexities of domestic violence.  It may be fear.  Many women who are killed by their partners had just left, or were in the process of leaving.  It may be guilt about breaking up the family and taking children away from their father.  It may be insecurity.  Many abusers control all the finances, strip the victims of their self-esteem and convince them they can’t survive on their own.

October is national Domestic Violence Month.  It’s a time to shine a light on the problem, a time to remember the victims and to celebrate the survivors of domestic violence. Arizona joins other states in trying to increase awareness of one of the most common violent crimes in our society.  In 2007 alone, 125 deaths in Arizona were the result of domestic violence, a marked increase over previous years.  A number of factors have contributed to this rise, including increased use of methamphetamine, economic hardship and easily available weapons.

Domestic violence occurs in all cultures.  It cuts across the boundaries of education, income, and ethnicity. And, domestic violence has no age limits. Violence creates a vicious cycle. When a woman is abused by her partner it impacts the children who witness the violence. Growing up in a violent home, they are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their own relationships. And with no intervention, the violence may continue for decades, leading to incidents of elder abuse and neglect later in life.

The key to helping victims break free from a violent relationship is for the community to provide hotlines, shelters and counseling, so victims know they are not alone and help is available.  Arizona has made great strides in recent years to provide domestic violence shelters in communities large and small across our state.  About 30 years ago, the first shelters opened their doors with a few beds in private homes.  Today there are nearly 40 domestic violence shelters in Arizona, with dedicated professionals and volunteers.

Not long ago, I visited Sojourner Center in Phoenix, which is now the largest domestic violence shelter in the nation, with beds for 280 women and children on three campuses. And, DOVES is a unique Phoenix shelter that reaches out to late-life victims of domestic violence.

In 2005, my office joined forces with the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology to find more ways to root out domestic violence.  Together we launched the Cut It Out program in Arizona.  This common sense program draws upon cosmetology professional's unique access to women, training them to recognize the signs of domestic violence in their clients and assist victims in finding help.  Cut It Out has expanded here to include an Adopt-A-Shelter program, by which salons support a domestic violence shelter in their area.

The Attorney General’s Office will continue to fight for Arizona’s most vulnerable, including children, elders and victims of domestic violence.  Especially in today’s tough economic times, we all need to do our part to help break the cycle of violence. Become a volunteer or make a contribution to a shelter. Most importantly, watch for the signs of violence and you may be able to rescue a colleague, relative or neighbor who could be suffering in silence. Never be afraid to ask, “Is everything okay?”  You'll never regret speaking up; you could regret not.

If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, toll-free, at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Terry Goddard