PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 4, 2024
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 RELEASES 2023 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FATALITY REPORT
PHOENIX, November 4, 2024 – In 2023, The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) documented 84 known domestic violence-related fatalities across Arizona. Arizona consistently ranks among the top states with the highest homicide rates of women murdered by men. In fact, between 2009 and 2023, there were 1,543 domestic violence related deaths.
These tragedies represent a small fraction of the violence that occurs within intimate and family relationships and reminds us of the potential for lethality in relationships where domestic violence is present. It is critical survivors are heard and supported in accessing safety and healing. The ACESDV Fatality Report is dedicated to those who have lost their lives from of domestic violence.
While each person is only be listed by name or by what happened to them, these individuals are real people who made a positive impact for the people in their life and are loved and missed.
As highlighted in the report, victims of domestic violence are much like Miranda:
Jordin “Miranda” Castillo was killed in June of 2023 in Glendale by her ex-boyfriend and child’s father. Miranda’s friends and family want others to be aware of the ultimate danger of domestic violence. Miranda was a mother to a 2-year-old daughter, who survived the incident that resulted in two other women being shot. Miranda had an order of protection in place, and got her daughter into the bathroom for safety – protecting her life at the end. Miranda is remembered by her family as a strong woman, and an amazing young lady.
Each domestic violence fatality is identified by ACESDV using an online media monitoring service that uses topical keywords related to domestic violence to produce articles from around the state. This method of data collection generates a fairly comprehensive list of domestic violence-related fatalities, the data contained in this report is limited, as it captures only those fatalities reported in media publications.
The information gathered informs the work of ACESDV, and is used to improve systems and support to domestic violence survivors with finding trends, gaps in response, holes at the legislature and how to hold people who cause harm accountable.
Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV states, “It is with deepest sympathy we honor those whose lives were taken due to domestic violence. These individuals are missed by parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, children, family and friends and will never be forgotten. Their legacy lives on as a reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and examples of how to improve our services, systems, and response to domestic violence in Arizona. We can and hope to do better within the state of Arizona.”
To read the report, please visit: https://acesdv.org/wp-content/uploads/Fatality-Report-2023.pdf
To read prior years’ fatality reports, please visit: https://www.acesdv.org/fatality-reports/
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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
Follow ACESDV on Twitter: twitter.com/ACESDV
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/ACESDVORG
Media Contact(s)
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Jenna Panas, (817) 939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org