PCAO hosts kickoff event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

(FLORENCE, AZ) - The Pinal County Attorney's Office hosted a kickoff event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Monday, which included a brave survivor of domestic violence detailing her story.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which aims to acknowledge survivors and be a voice for victims.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer joined Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in providing remarks about the month and the issue. In 2020, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division provided services to 2,265 victims of domestic violence. In 2019, there were 96 domestic violence-related deaths in Arizona, according to the numbers available from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

"This is our opportunity to stand up and say enough is enough," said County Attorney Kent Volkmer. "That together we're going to come together. Together we're going to work. Together we're going to leverage what we have to do better, because the status quo is simply unacceptable."

The featured speaker was Sara Pitcher, who bravely described her toxic marriage that started with emotional abuse and escalated to physical abuse.

Pitcher said her ex-husband left her legally blind in her right eye after a violent attack in 2018. You can watch her full story below, which she tells with the goal of providing hope to those currently experiencing domestic violence.

The Pinal County Attorney's Office is incredibly proud of what she's overcome and extends a special thank you to her for sharing her story and for her work in advocating for victims of domestic violence.

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