By james art Independent news outlet
Gilbert Police will mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Thursday, October 24 with a Domestic Violence Awareness Night event.
The event will be held at Gilbert City Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The keynote will come from a victim of domestic violence who will share her story.
Other speakers will include Mayor Bridget Peterson, Winged Hope founder Jessica Nicely, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg and Domestic Violence Unit Sgt. Eric Snow.
Partner agencies present include:
- chrysalis;
- Catholic Charities – My Sister’s Place;
- Cece’s Hope Center;
- New sheet;
- Winged Hope;
- Hope Center for Women;
- ACASI;
- Arizona Traffic Enforcement Network;
- House of Refuge;
- Survivors GET TEAR.
We ask that all those wishing to attend register.
October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month dedicated to learning and coming together to help end domestic violence in our community.
The Gilbert City Council issued a proclamation on Sept. 24 announcing Gilbert’s commitment to raising public awareness of domestic violence and joining others across the country in recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic violence is a significant public health problem that negatively impacts millions of Americans each year and does not discriminate by age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
This year’s theme is “Hold, Heal and Center,” aimed at eliminating oppression in all its forms against those who are marginalized and uniting in reducing its adverse effects on our communities.
In 2023, the Gilbert Police Department received more than 1,800 calls for service related to domestic violence.
The Gilbert Police Department’s Family Violence Unit is committed to stopping this dangerous trend in our community. The unit consists of four detectives and a sergeant who receive extensive training in forensic interviewing and strangulation investigation to better serve the unique dynamics of domestic violence.
FVU detectives also investigate child and elder abuse cases, working closely with the Division of Child Safety and Adult Protective Services.
In addition, Gilbert PD has its own team of victim advocates who work together to guide, inform and support victims of crime as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
The city is running a donation drive for Domestic Violence Awareness Month through October 31. Items collected include cleaning supplies, personal care products, non-perishable foods, sheets, new clothes, bath and hand towels, baby wipes, razors and laundry soap. They can be dropped off at the Gilbert Police Department, 90 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert; Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert; or Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert.
Those interested in resources or more information can visit gilbertaz.gov/DVAM.
Those needing to contact the Gilbert Police Department can do so at 480-503-6500 or 911 in an emergency.