One of my highest priorities as Attorney General continues to be protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable, including children, elders and victims of domestic violence.  

We have two good reasons to turn our attention to that fight at this time. One is that October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The other is a new state law affecting vulnerable adults took effect on September 30.  

The new law, which I strongly supported, will help protect senior citizens from anyone who would try to abuse them financially. The previous law made it very difficult to prosecute those who take advantage of vulnerable adults. That law required proof of deceit or intimidation to make the case. Such proof was often difficult because the victim was unable or unwilling to testify.

Another problem with the former law was that is penalized someone for making an innocent mistake managing a vulnerable adult's assets, even when the mistake caused no actual harm. The new law removes such liability.

The new law's provisions promote justice -- both in increasing opportunities for prosecuting abuses and in protecting caregivers who make harmless mistakes.  

Many thanks to the measure’s sponsor, Rep. Lucy Mason (R-Prescott). Other supporters included the Arizona State Bar Probate and Trust Laws Section, Arizona Fiduciaries Association and the Arizona Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

Domestic Violence Month reminds us that this offense is still the most common violent crime in our state. In 2008 alone, 126 Arizonans died violently at the hands of domestic abusers. It was the fifth straight year that tragic number has increased. More than 52,000 police reports were written last year in response to DV complaints. Domestic violence affects one in three women during their lifetime. Job losses and financial stress contribute to the rise in violence.

I can’t say enough about the compassion and dedication of hundreds of professionals who protect and assist domestic violence victims every day. Without their tireless efforts, Arizona’s problem with this crime would be much worse. Our shelter network provides temporary refuge and counseling for victims and their children. Despite modest increases in program capacity, women and children seeking shelter are still being turned away.

Four years ago, I joined forces with the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology to launch the CUT IT OUT program in Arizona. This program draws on the unique access our cosmetology community has to women by training salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic violence in their clients and assist victims in getting help. My Office and the Arizona Coalition against Domestic Violence have conducted training at cosmetology schools throughout Arizona. In addition, the State Board of Cosmetology has distributed informational materials and “shoe cards” to the more than 4,500 salons in Arizona.

I hope you can join me in downtown Phoenix on Sunday, November 8, and help make this year's Domestic Violence Walk and Run the most successful ever! These 5K events will be held in collaboration with the 2009 Phoenix 10K.  For more information, visit www.Phoenix10K.com .  

We all need to do our part to help break the cycle of violence. Become a volunteer or contribute to a shelter. Most importantly, watch for the signs of violence and you may be able to rescue a colleague, relative or neighbor who has been suffering in silence. Never be afraid to ask, “Is everything okay?”  You'll never regret speaking up.

Terry Goddard