In partnership with Chandler’s Domestic Violence Commission, I proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Chandler. In Arizona, law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call every five minutes. Our Domestic Violence Commission is committed to preventing domestic violence in Chandler by endorsing prevention awareness campaigns and educating our community.
The Domestic Violence Commission consists of 11 members, made up of residents and representatives of domestic violence agencies that serve our community. They advise Mayor and Council on community domestic violence issues including the quality and effectiveness of domestic violence services in Chandler. Their focus lies in the following areas:
- Promoting a clear understanding of domestic violence, current laws and resources available in the community;
- Facilitating an effective community-wide system of prevention and intervention that is responsive to the needs of domestic violence victims;
- Identifying and promoting the coordination of the roles and services of local agencies or offices that provide services to domestic violence victims;
- Acting as a forum for communication, education and dialogue with Chandler residents on domestic violence issues.
"It is important for community members to come together to address an issue that impacts all of us, domestic violence. Some of our Commission members are survivors, some work in the domestic violence movement and some are Chandler community members that want to help,” says Commission Chair Samantha Hinchey. “It is an honor to be part of this group and uplift our efforts to address and decrease domestic violence in the community that we love. Everyone deserves to be safe; in their homes, at work, and in in their lives in general. That is what the goal is - safe, cherished lives make for a safe, cherished community, not just in Chandler, but in all communities in Arizona.”
The Domestic Violence Commission partners with a variety of agencies in the Valley to bring both awareness to the community and resources to those in need, including: the Arizona Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Boys and Girls Club – Chandler Compadre Branch, Catholic Charities and Community Legal Services. Each of these agencies serves as a unique resource for domestic violence victims and their families.
Each year the Domestic Violence Commission works to connect those experiencing domestic violence with necessary resources and support groups. The Commission participates in and executes initiatives to bring awareness to the wide variety of domestic violence that occur throughout the community. Some of these initiatives include: National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the annual Domestic Violence Awareness event, as well as participation in community events, including the Multicultural Festival and the Public Safety Event.
We are currently looking to fill a vacancy for a community agency to serve on this commission. If you are interested in applying, please contact Katie Cain.