PCAO Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

FLORENCE, AZ (October 3rd, 2024) - The Pinal County Attorney's Office provided services to 800 victims of domestic violence in the most recent fiscal year, helping them to manage and overcome extremely difficult situations.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Pinal County Attorney's Office stands in solidarity with survivors to say enough is enough.

"We commend all survivors of abuse for their strength and courage while also mourning and recognizing those who were lost to violence," said County Attorney Kent Volkmer. "To those who are suffering in the shadows, please know there are resources available and an entire community waiting with open arms to help you. It is time to stop the silence and end the violence."

In the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2024, the Pinal County Attorney's Office Victim Services Unit provided more than 2,200 services to 800 victims of domestic violence.

PCAO, along with other agencies and organizations in Pinal County, are working to 'End the Silence, Stop the Violence,' when it comes to this issue. On Saturday, October 12th, 2024, PCAO is partnering with the Apache Junction Police Department, A New Leaf and Faith & Blue to put on the 3rd Annual Pinal County Domestic Violence 5k Trail Walk and Family Day.

PCAO is also dedicated to highlighting survivor stories, with the goal of giving hope to others who are in bad situations.

"I was locked in closets, I was pushed down the stairs pregnant, I had cell phones smashed next to my head on the wall," said Kassie Kennaugh, a Pinal County resident who shared her experience of two prior domestic violence relationships.

Kennaugh, who runs a local insurance business, said her friend was able to help her realize the type of relationship she was in, spurring her to leave and seek help. However, another relationship also featured domestic violence and became physical, Kennaugh said.

"Look for the light at the end of that tunnel because it does get better," she said.

Kennaugh has been able to use her past experiences to inspire others, launching a podcast to discuss trauma and other personal issues, while also excelling at her insurance business. You can watch her entire story in the video below.

"Professionally, I'm fantastic," she said. "Personally, I am literally in the best frame of mind that I could be."

In 2023, 84 individuals were killed as a result of domestic violence in Arizona, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

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