domestic violence

Paint Pima Purple on Oct. 17

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Paint Pima Purple Logo_bumper_FINAL

As part of the Paint Pima Purple campaign, Pima County employees, friends and residents are encouraged on Friday, Oct. 17 to wear purple clothing,  and to help Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse to “Stuff the Bus” with donations to help victims of domestic abuse.

From PaintPimaPurple.org and Emerge! Center against Domestic Abuse:

Domestic abuse does not discriminate. It affects families of every background, people of every sexual orientation and gender identity, and people from every socio-economic class. It is widely considered one of the most under-reported crimes in the United States.

If someone told you they were being abused, would you know what to do? Hearing about someone’s abusive situation is scary, especially if they are looking to you for help and you have no idea what to do. Knowing how to respond can help you save a life.

Call the experts: Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse’s 24-hour hotline is available to people in abusive situations and for those who want to learn how to help a friend or loved one. Local: 520-795-4266 Toll-free: 888-428-0101. If you are in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, always call 911.

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Our society must move beyond violence against women

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Domestic violence_20b10e08caby Pamela Powers Hannley

This week the story of domestic violence charges against former Mexican American Studies (MAS) Director Sean Arce bubbled up on the Arizona Daily Independent (ADI) blog and on Facebook, where discussions continue to roil. Prior to ADI's initial blog post on December 27, 2012, rumors were swirling around regarding what happened on December 9, 2012, the night Arce and his compadres celebrated his birthday. Now we have ADI's account– written from the police report and reaction from people across the political spectrum, including this blogger. Unfortunately, none of the lame stream media outlets have chosen to cover this story.

Did Arce aggressively confront his ex-wife in a local restaurant? Did he follow her home, break into the house, and break windows– causing Essence Arce to flee? That is for the courts to decide, but, in my opinion, the police report (which alludes to dried blood on Arce's hands when he was arrested) is very damming. 

My goal here is not to try Arce's case in the court of public opinion, but to point out that IF the domestic violence charges against him are true, we have yet another local case of a powerful man abusing his power and acting in a violent or at least highly inappropriate manner toward women. In recent months, Arizona has seen SIX powerful men charged with domestic violence or sexual harassment.

Women are murdered every day in this country by husbands, lovers, and former partners. In the workplace, women are subjected to harassment and discrimination. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. For more details, continue reading after the jump.