October is Domestic Violence Month where Arizona will join other states in increasing awareness of a common violent crime that will impact one in three women at some point during their lifetime. Last year there were 107 deaths in Arizona from domestic violence, 23 more than in 2005. A number of factors have contributed to the increase, including increased use of methamphetamine, economic hardship, rapid growth and mobility of families. We each need to do our part to help stem the violence.

In 2005, I joined forces with the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology to launch the national CUT IT OUT program in Arizona. This common sense program draws on the cosmetology community's unique access to women by training salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence in their clients and assist victims in getting help. This year, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence have conducted training at cosmetology schools throughout Arizona, personally reaching over 350 salon professionals. In addition, the State Board of Cosmetology has distributed informational materials to the approximately 4,500 salons in Arizona.

Salon industry professionals are also encouraged to support shelters that are on the front lines everyday in the war against domestic violence through the CUT IT OUT Adopt a Shelter Program which provides suggestions and guidelines for successful community partnerships . A featured Adopt a Shelter event is the Valley of the Sun Girls’ Night Out on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at Dolce Salon and Spa at Arrowhead. The goal of this fundraiser is to raise awareness to domestic violence in Arizona and to assist with the needs of valley shelters and the Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence. For more information on this event, please visit http://www.girls-night-out.org

During Domestic Violence Month I will be joining domestic violence experts and advocates for a events to speak about the importance of justice for domestic violence victims, especially the children affected by forced underage marriages in the polygamous communities of Colorado City and Hildale, an effort where there has been great progress but still has a way to go.

I will also visit a domestic violence shelter, Soujorner, to learn more about the challenges facing Arizona’s shelters providing temporary housing and counseling for victims. Arizona is fortunate to have 37 shelter programs with so many dedicated professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide much needed help to domestic violence victims in times of crisis.

The Attorney General’s Office will continue to be a strong voice for Arizona’s most vulnerable, including children and victims of domestic violence. Let us all recommit ourselves this month to reach out to someone who might be in need of our help over the next year. Become a volunteer or make a contribution to a shelter in your community.

Most important, watch for the signs and you may be able to rescue a colleague, relative or neighbor who could be suffering in silence. Anyone in imminent danger should call 911 and ask for law enforcement protection. Even if you only suspect something is wrong, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.7233) to discuss the situation, anonymously if you prefer. You'll never regret speaking up – you could regret doing nothing, forever.

Terry Goddard