Domestic and Dating Violence

Domestic violence affects many people around the world. People of any race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation can become victims of domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is not your fault. You deserve to feel safe and to be free from abuse. There are many resources in Arizona to help victims of domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior where the purpose is to gain power and control over a current or past spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend, family member, or roommate.

Domestic violence is not just physical violence. It can include behaviors that physically harm, bring about fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse, and economic deprivation.

Different forms of domestic violence or abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship.

For more information about domestic violence, click here.

The Arizona law that defines domestic violence can be found here

What makes a crime domestic violence?

The relationship between the victim and criminal, and the crime itself.

A crime is considered a crime of domestic violence if the relationship between the victim and the criminal are any of the following:

The victim and the person who committed the crime are/were in a romantic or sexual relationship

The victim and the person who committed the crime are/were married

The victim and the person who committed the crime live/lived together

The victim and the person who committed the crime have a child together

The victim or the person who committed the crime is pregnant by the other person

The victim is related to the person who committed the crime or their spouse by blood, marriage, or court order

The victim is a child who lives/previously lived with the person who committed the crime and is related by blood to their former spouse or someone else who lives/previously lived in the same household

Under the Arizona Criminal Code, if one of the relationships listed above applies, the following crimes are crimes of domestic violence:

Endangerment

Threatening or Intimidating

Assault

Aggravated Assault

Custodial Interference

Unlawful Imprisonment

Kidnapping

Sexual Assault

Unlawful disclosure of nude or sexually explicit images

Criminal trespass

Criminal damage

Interfering with judicial proceedings

Disorderly Conduct (fighting, noise, abusive language, brandishing a weapon)

Cruelty to Animals

Preventing the use of a telephone in an emergency

Use of an electronic communication to terrify, intimidate, threaten, or harass

Harassment

Aggravated Harassment

Stalking

Surreptitious photography

Aggravated domestic violence

Child or vulnerable adult abuse

What can I do if I am experiencing domestic violence?

If you have been harmed or if you are in immediate danger, call 911. Some options that are available, whether 911 is called or not, include calling a crisis hotline, seeking shelter, filing charges, applying for a protective order, and/or safety planning.

Crisis hotlines may be able to provide you with resources and useful information:

Maricopa County (Crisis Response Network): 1-800-631-1314 or 602-222-9444

Northern Arizona (Crisis Response Network), including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai Counties: 1-877-756-4090

Southern Arizona (NAMI Southern Arizona), including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma: 1 (866) 495-6735 or (520) 622-6000

National Domestic Violence Hotline or call (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)

National Sexual Assault Hotline or call (800) 656-HOPE (4673)

A shelter is a safe place to stay. If 911 is called, law enforcement may be able to help with finding and contacting a shelter. Call a local hotline to find a domestic violence shelter program that can help you. More information about domestic violence shelters and programs can be found below.

Criminal charges can be filed against a perpetrator of domestic violence. If 911 is called and law enforcement responds, they will likely offer information about pressing charges against the perpetrator.

A protective order (also known as a restraining order) may offer a level of protection against the perpetrator of domestic violence. If 911 is called, they may recommend obtaining a protective order and may be able to provide helpful information about how to do so. If the police are not called, it is still possible to apply for a protective order. For more information about how to get a protective order, click here.

For frequently asked questions about domestic violence and protective orders, click here.

A safety plan can be a useful and practical way improve safety for those experiencing domestic violence. Domestic violence programs can help victims develop a safety plan. For more information about safety planning, click here.

Victims of domestic violence may also experience issues with housing. This might include having to change locks or terminate a lease, trying to get an abuser out of the home, or a landlord trying to evict because of the domestic violence. For more information on how to deal with housing issues like these, click here.

How can I find a domestic violence program near me?

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) has a helpline available to provide information about local resources and to provide advocacy and support. The hotline is available from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 602-279-2900 or via online chat.

To learn more about sexual or domestic violence programs that may be able to help, click here.

Local service providers in your area can be found here