This was the theme for this year’s October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal was to bring awareness domestic violence awareness to men, women, youth, and family.
October Domestic Violence Awareness Month was planned and coordinated by the Domestic Violence Action Team. The team would like to thank all those who attended this year’s event. If the event brought awareness to one person, if we made one person smile and laugh, if we brought a family together at any of the events, then October Domestic Violence Awareness was a success. All events were well attended, with our Family Day being the most popular. Robert Johnston, a youth motivational speaker and hypnotist entertained our families throughout the evening making us all laugh. October 12th was Youth Day: Seventeen of our youth and volunteer’s hiked Horton Creek Trail, near Payson, Arizona. The trial is a mile and a half strenuous and rocky hike. Family Services Social Worker, Carmela Quitugua, spoke to our young teens about healthy relationships and Fighter Fighter; Aaron Mikolic presented information and made safety bracelets.
On October 6th was Fishing Day for men of the community. Prizes were awarded to most caught fish and biggest fish which went to Romero Paxson and Mark Hansen also won for biggest fish. On October 13th Spa Day for women of the community was scheduled but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was cancelled. However, Spa Day will be rescheduled for a later date. Again thanks to all who attended.
The team would like to thank a number of people for their support and assistance in making this a successful month. We would like to thank the following; Ron Miller and Steve Pattea, from Yavapai Materials, for their assistance with Fishing Day; Barbara Smith and Education Department for assistance in Youth Day; Fire and Police Department for safety/emergency stand-by and participation in events; The Mikolic’s- Aaron, Diana and Aaron Jr. for volunteering for Youth Day, and the Women’s Group of Fort McDowell, for their assistance in the organization of events.
Lastly I would like to thank members of our team who took the time to organize not only events for October but their continued support throughout the year. Thanks Team!! The Domestic Violence Action Team consists of various departmental employees; Tania Harvey, Victim Advocate; Lisa Ulibarri-Hatlen, Therapist; Carmela Quitugua, Social Worker; Christine Porter, Youth Council Coordinator; Sgt. Jarvis Qumyintewa, Police Department; Sgt. Jesse Crabtree, Police Department; Anders Lundin, Prosecutor; and Sharon Fitzgerald, Wassaja Health Clinic.
If you would like more information regarding our program/services, or domestic violence please contact Tania, Victim Advocate at 480-789-7678.
