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Gilbert Police will mark Domestic Violence Awarness Month on Thursday, Oct. 24, with a Domestic Violence Awarness Night event.
The event will be held at Gilbert Town Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, from 5-6:30 p.m.
The keynote address will come from a domestic violence survivor sharing her story.
Other speakers will include Mayor Brigette Peterson, Winged Hope founder Jessica Nicely, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg and Family Violence Unit Sgt. Eric Snow.
Partner agencies in attendance include:
Chrysalis;
Catholic Charities – My Sister’s Place;
Cece’s Hope Center;
A New Leaf;
Winged Hope;
Hope Women Center;
ACASI;
Arizona Anti-Traffic Network;
House of Refuge;
Survivors RISE.
Anyone interested in attending is asked to register.
October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month dedicated to learning and coming together to help end domestic violence in our community.
Gilbert Town Council issued a proclamation Sept. 24 announcing Gilbert's commitment to increasing the public's awareness of domestic violence and to join others around the country in the recognition of October as Domstic Violence Awareness Month.
Domestic violence is a significant public health problem that negatively impacts millions of Americans each year and does not discriminate against age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
This year's theme is "Hold, Heal, and Center," aimed at eliminating oppression in all its forms toward those who are marginalized and to unite in reducing its adverse effects on our communities.
In 2023, the Gilbert Police Department received more than 1,800 domestic violence-related calls for service.
The Gilbert Police Department's Family Violence Unit is committed to stopping the dangerous trend in our community. The unit is made up of four detectives and a sergeant who receive extensive training in forensic interviewing and strangulation investigation, to better serve the unique dynamics of family violence.
FVU detectives also investigate child abuse and elderly abuse cases, working closely with the Department of Child Safety and Adult Protective Services.
In addition, Gilbert PD has its own team of victim advocates who together work to guide, inform, and support victims of crime as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
The town is holding a Domestic Violence Awareness Month donation drive through Oct. 31. Items being collected include cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, non-perishable food, bed sheets, new clothing, 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 the Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert.
Those interested in resources or more information can visit gilbertaz.gov/DVAM.
Those needing to contact Gilbert Police Department can do so at 480-503-6500 or 911 in emergencies.
