Violence

VAPS - Victims Assistance Program (City of Maricopa)

Advocating for and empowering people in crisis.

Helping people in crisis and survivors of crime be heard, valued and supported.

The Victim Assistance Program (VAP) will advocate for and empower people in crisis and promote the rights and interests of victims, witnesses, families and communities affected by crime in all facets of the criminal justice system.

VAP Services provided:

. Education of Victim's Rights
. Crisis intervention and emotional support on scene and through investigations
. Information about the police investigations and/or criminal justice process
. Assistance with victim compensation claims
. Referral to community resources
. Assistance with Orders of Protection
. Phone Loan Program
. Court Accompaniment-Municipal Court
. Address Confidentiality Program

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

Contacts to The Hotline can expect highly trained, expert advocates to offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.

Mayo Clinic - Domestic Violence Against Women: Recognize patterns, seek help

By Mayo Clinic staff

Domestic violence is a serious threat for many women. Know the signs of an abusive relationship and how to leave a dangerous situation.

Your partner apologizes and says the hurtful behavior won't happen again — but you fear it will. At times you wonder whether you're imagining the abuse, yet the emotional or physical pain you feel is real. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing domestic violence.

Recognize domestic violence

Domestic violence — also called intimate partner violence — occurs between people in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse. Abuse by a partner can happen to anyone, but domestic violence is most often directed toward women. Domestic violence can happen in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

Abusive relationships always involve an imbalance of power and control. An abuser uses intimidating, hurtful words and behaviors to control a partner.

Use the link below to access this article on domestic violence from the Mayo Clinic staff.

Adult Protective Services (APS)

What is Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation?

Abuse can take many forms. Not all abuse is seen with the naked eye.

Abuse can take many forms, including:

Physical abuse, including intentional infliction of physical harm and injury
Sexual abuse or sexual assault
Emotional abuse
Unlawful imprisonment
Neglect is the deprivation of:

• Food
• Water
• Medication
• Medical services
• Shelter
• Cooling
• Heating
• Supervision
• Other services necessary to maintain minimum physical or mental health.

Exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an individual or their resources for another person's profit or advantage. This can include:

• Misusing cash, credit cards or bank accounts
• Stealing money or household goods and property
• Forced panhandling
• Prostitution

Abuse, neglect and exploitation can occur for many reasons. Also, individuals can be victimized by friends, family members or strangers.