DATA
Domestic Violence - What do we know?
In Arizona, intimate partner homicides are 45% higher than the national average (www.goyff.az.gov)
At the height of the pandemic, there were 4.62 incidents of domestic violence reported in Gilbert per day. (Gilbert PD)
Nationally, 3.3 out of every 1,000 people over the age of 12 experienced domestic violence in 2021. Using the estimated population of Gilbert during the same time frame, that is 9,014 of our residents in one year alone. (Gilbert PD)
In Arizona, one or more children witness domestic violence every 44 minutes. (www.des.az.gov)
More than 97% of domestic violence survivor respondents said that keeping their pets with them is an important factor in deciding whether or not to seek shelter. 50% would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn’t not take their pets with them. (www.avma.org)
Violent behavior typically begins between ages 12-18 years old. (www.guardiangroup.org)
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data, about 10% of students report having been physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past 12 months. (www.cdc.gov)
Approximately 26% of children under the age of 18 are exposed to domestic violence in their lifetime. (www.ncjrs.gov)
In a study of 271 battered women, it was found that 30% of the abusers reportedly used pornography. The study concluded that “the majority of women (58%) whose abusers used pornography acknowledged that the pornography had affected their abuse”. (www.ojp.gov)
In Gilbert, domestic violence calls rose 80.2% from 2015-2021, with a 121.3% increase in DV offenses involving a child victim. But we know that many incidents of domestic violence go unreported. (Gilbert PD)
Gilbert calls for service 2022-2023 = 2410
Aggravated Assault 62
Child Neglect/Abuse 239
Domestic violence Assault 408
Fight Domestic Violence 1228
Violation of Court Order 473
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What is already being done by Town of Gilbert?
Family Violence Unit - The unit has a specialized knowledge of domestic violence situations who work side by side with Gilbert Youth and Adult Resources and other community partners to aid victims of domestic violence while providing the highest investigative attention to these potentially dangerous situations.
Victim-Witness Advocate is available through the Prosecutor’s office to assist victims of misdemeanor crimes that occur within Gilbert town limits. The advocate is available to explain the judicial process; act as a link between the court system and the victim; speak for the victim in court; give current case status information; assist in obtaining restraining orders; make referrals for counseling, food, shelter provide resources; and personally escort victims during all court appearances, if desired.
Designated Domestic Violence Court handles Protective orders, such as Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month – The Town issues a proclamation, lights the water tower, and hosts a donation drive and awareness event.
Human Sex Trafficking - What do we know?
$9.5 billion annually is how much human trafficking generates in the US. (US Department of State,2005) Average age of sex trafficking victim in AZ is 12-13 years old. (www.goyff.az.gov/humantrafficking)
Arizona is ranked as one of the top hubs for sex trafficking due to its proximity to the border, short drive to major cities like LA, San Diego, and Las Vegas, its status as a popular business conference destination, and its hosting of many professional sporting events (www.azag.gov)
In 2020, National Human Trafficking Hotline received 608 incident reports from Arizona. Most victims are unable to reach for help, so most cases go unreported. (www.humantraffickinghotline.org )
Joint operation with Chandler “Blue Wave” January 2023 resulted in 17 arrests for 43 sex-related crimes: including 4 Gilbert arrests. (Gilbert PD)
During a multi-agency operation in 2023, 348 arrests (48 felony, 300 misdemeanor) were made for sex-related crimes around the time of The Super Bowl, The Waste Management Open, and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, with five juveniles and one adult recovered (www.azcentral.com)
From September of 2002 – April of 2023 Gilbert unit investigated 13 cases of prostitution (including 1 juvenile), 37 child exploitation cases, 60 runaway juveniles, 25 child exploitation cases and made 29 arrests. (Gilbert PD)
No overt prostitution in Gilbert but more discreet efforts through social media apps and massage parlors that result in sextortion and luring. Sextortion is almost exclusive male, and they are less likely to report. 1/3 of teens on the street will be lured toward prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. (Gilbert PD, www.gao.gov, www.hopforjustice.org )
Gilbert’s most vulnerable population for internet crimes against children (ex. Sextortion) include runaway juveniles, group home residents, youth having access to social media and those suffering from mental illness or depression or were lacking home support and were gravitating toward attention. (Gilbert PD)
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What is already being done by Town of Gilbert?
Gilbert’s PD Special Victims Unit investigates all sex crimes, both adult and juvenile
Began Peer 2 Peer Investigations (file sharing system- allowing investigators to be proactive)
Attached to FBI task force-collaboration with other local agencies and access to other resources.
Addition of victim advocate to the team.
Briefings for patrol and School Resource Officers (SROs)
Funding was provided to support implementation of Bark app for low-income parents.