PHOENIX — This October, Arizona once again unites to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and take a stand against all forms of abuse through the Lighting Arizona Purple Campaign, an initiative of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF).
The GOYFF hosted the 11th Annual Lighting Arizona Purple Kick-Off Event on Saturday, October 4, 2025, on the Arizona State Capitol House Lawn. The event opened with remarks from the GOYFF Director, Tonya Hamilton, and featured a Tribal Blessing and song performed by Kristopher Dosela, Leader of the Chi’Chino Spirit, Gila River Indian Community.
Attendees also heard from Leanne Guy of the SWIWC, Roxanne Joseyesva of the Hopi Tewa Women’s Coalition to End Abuse (HTWCEA), and Jenna Panas of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV). Elizabeth Ortiz, co-chair of the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence, also shared remarks, followed by Aarna Tanna, 2025-2026 President of the Governor’s Youth Commission (GYC). The program concluded with Vanessa Martinez, who courageously shared her survivor story.
After the program, attendees participated in a one-mile awareness walk around the Capitol, followed by a community resource fair featuring family-friendly activities such as rock painting and a photo booth.
“The Lighting Arizona Purple campaign creates an opportunity for Arizonans to learn more about domestic violence and show support for victims and the many organizations that provide life-saving services,” said GOYFF Director Tonya Hamilton. “We are deeply grateful for the statewide prevention, intervention, and victim-centered services that help keep our families and communities safe.”
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, October 2, Director Hamilton joined Governor Katie Hobbs at the Sojourner Center, where the Governor began her career in social work, to recognize DVAM. The visit included a roundtable discussion with the Center’s leadership about the impact of potential federal funding cuts, the Center’s positive outcomes, and a tour to meet residents.
Throughout October, the Arizona State Capitol Executive Tower will shine purple to recognize DVAM. The GOYFF encourages Arizona agencies, businesses, and communities to join the campaign by illuminating buildings and homes in purple to show solidarity with survivors.
The GOYFF developed a Digital Toolkit to support participation. It features downloadable graphics, sample social media messages, and the 2025 Arizona Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Proclamation. Visit EndDV.AZ.gov for the toolkit, campaign details, and additional state and national resources.
If you or someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).
