Grand Canyon Times

Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema met with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) to discuss her work to pass historic policies and resources to prevent domestic violence and protect survivors in last year’s Bipartisan Safer Communities law. Sinema and ACESDV also discussed additional resources needed to provide care and support to victims of sexual domestic violence, including the importance of funding crisis services and domestic violence advocacy programs.
 

In April, Sinema held a roundtable with community advocates, including ACESDV, to discuss implementation of her Bipartisan Safer Communities law – historic legislation breaking nearly 30 years of inaction by investing in violence prevention and mental health services.

 

“My first job out of college was as a crisis counselor working with domestic violence victims – so ensuring Arizonans are protected from sexual and physical abuse from their partners is personal to me. Our partnership with ACESDV helps strengthen support, protections, and resources for Arizonans in need,” said Sinema, sponsor and lead negotiator of the Bipartisan Safer Communities law.

 

In the meeting, Sinema and ACESDV discussed the importance of funding domestic violence advocacy programs, supportive services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and rape and domestic violence prevention efforts in communities across Arizona. As a part of ACESDV’s mission, the coalition runs a website for survivors in need of services and resources: www.arizonasurvivors.org

 

In the wake of the May 24, 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Sinema formed a bipartisan group of solutions-focused Senators and led negotiations on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Now law, the Sinema-led legislation protects victims of domestic violence by preventing convicted ex-boyfriends from obtaining firearms, improves access to mental health services for children and families, and much more.

 

In February, Sinema announced the first round of funding from her law coming to Arizona – $6 million to support Arizona crisis intervention programs designed to make communities safer by preventing gun violence and suicide. As funding becomes available, the Senator is meeting with Arizona local leaders, stakeholders, and advocates to ensure the investments are implemented efficiently and effectively.

 

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona. 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.

 

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