There have been 25 deaths in Arizona this year due to domestic violence.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s according to City of Maricopa Police Chief Steve Stahl, who is also the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Council Chair.<\/p>\n
He says one in four women and one in ten men are victims of violence or stalking by an intimate partner. In 2019, there were 95 deaths related to domestic violence in Arizona, according to Stahl.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why local leaders are reminding everyone about the option to text 911 in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n
MAG says the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which includes a stay-at-home order, has led to some people being stuck at home with their abusers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe stay home to stay healthy, but home is not always a safe place. Being separated from friends, family and neighbors takes a toll emotionally. Domestic violence victims especially may feel cut off from support systems,\u201d says MAG Regional Council Chair and Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. \u201cWe want victims to know they are not alone, and that they can text 911 if they are unable to safely call.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only do communities need to reduce deaths for COVID-19, we are working equally hard to decrease the number of people who die at the hands of their abusers. We need people to know we are here to help.\u201d said Chief Stahl.<\/p>\n
In Phoenix, domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous received by law enforcement, according to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who says promoting advocacy resources helps protect both victims and first responders.<\/p>\n
Vice chair of the MAG Regional Council and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers says that while voice calls are best, a text to 911 should be used any time a voice call is dangerous or impossible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis technology helps in a wide variety of scenarios, such as domestic violence, active shooter, or home invasions. It is also being incredibly helpful for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability,\u201d said Weiers.<\/p>\n
Text to 911 became live in Maricopa County in April 2018 and is currently being rolled out in other areas of the state.<\/p>\n
Please reach out if you are being abused by your partner. You deserve to be free from domestic violence.<\/p>\n