PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 7, 2023
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900 / 1-800-782-6400
media@acesdv.org
ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISTRIBUTES OVER 2 MILLION DOLLARS TO SURVIVORS IN MARICOPA COUNTY
PHOENIX, November 7, 2023 – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the distribution of over $2 million dollars of financial support to domestic violence survivors.
ACESDV received funding through the Maricopa County American Rescue Plan Funds to help individuals recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maricopa County earmarked $15 million to support domestic violence services in the county as COVID-19 significantly impacted those not safe in their homes. A substantial portion of this funding, $3 million, was specifically designated for financial assistance for safety needs and barrier removal for domestic violence survivors.
As of October 16, 2023, The Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline has distributed over $2,000,000 to domestic violence survivors in Maricopa County through the Survivor Emergency Relief Fund.
The Survivor Emergency Relief Fund helps support sexual and domestic violence survivors with costs associated with accessing safety, healing, and security. The funds support rental assistance, utilities, counseling, relocation/moving, and childcare. 99% of domestic violence survivors experience some form of financial abuse. Abuse combined with COVID-19 financial stress, inflation, and the rising costs of housing and essentials in Maricopa County has led to severe financial distress for many domestic violence survivors. The funding provided by Maricopa County has proven to be instrumental in placing survivors in safe homes and able to care for their children.
“ACESDV is incredibly thankful to have funding from Maricopa County to provide direct financial assistance to survivors,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “The funds are truly life changing for so many survivors and are oftentimes the last viable option they have to find a safe home, prevent homelessness, or keep their children safe. We are grateful this funding allows for additional safety, security, and healing for survivors moving on with their lives.”
A survivor who received funding from this program shared her gratitude with one of our Victim Service Specialists, “We will be feeling the effects of your help and your agency’s help for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much, so so much, so much. Prosperity and light to you all.”
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline, housed at ACESDV, works tirelessly to ensure swift response to survivors seeking assistance. The full-time team of 4 Victim Services Specialist connect with survivors in both Spanish and English to administer these funds.
If you or anyone you know is a survivor of domestic violence and may be needing financial assistance in Maricopa County, contact The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline available M-F, 8:30a – 5:00p, Tuesdays, 8:30a-7:00p through phone: 602-279-2980, email or chat: www.arizonasurvivors.org, or SMS text: 520-720-3383.
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About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through the Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline and online chat. To learn more visit www.acesdv.org and www. arizonasurvivors.org.
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/ACESDVORG
Follow ACESDV on X: x.com/acesdv
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org