Mandatory Counseling - The Problem

The Problem

Domestic violence deaths are up in Arizona as national trend reversesWhile domestic violence cases have dropped nearly 20% nationwide over the past five years, Arizona and Phoenix specifically, is moving in the opposite direction.

According to Maricopa County domestic Violence, "The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that nearly 1 in 2 women, 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 2 transgender and non-conforming individuals will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime."

"When you look into the data behind domestic violence, the fact is that each number represents a human life, often an entire family, that has been seriously impacted by domestic abuse," stated Vice Chair Kate Brophy McGee, District 3, who served five years on the Arizona Governor’s Commission to End Violence Against Women. "Every one of us must condemn abuse, reach out to those locked in abusive relationships, and model healthy, empowering relationships."

https://www.maricopa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/3472 https://www.azfamily.com/2026/01/23/domestic-violence-deaths-are-up-arizona-national-trend-reverses/

AZ Defenders States. " Under Section 13-3601 of the law, the Arizona criminal courts will charge domestic violence as the underlying crime the case involves. Domestic violence involving physical assault, for example, will lead to the same potential penalties as a physical assault as a physical assault charge in Arizona... The addition of Domestic Violence conviction could lead to mandatory minimum sentences, restriction on probation, reduced parole eligibility, protective orders, additional jail time and mandatory domestic violence treatment programs.

The Problem

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people, families, and even communities. Domestic violence happens when one person in the relationship uses violence, threats, or even control to hurt or manipulate the other person in the relationship. This abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, or financial, and it causes long lasting harm to the victim's mental health and physical health. Many victims feel scared, trapped, or even unable to speak out because they are scared no one believes or helps them. Though there are laws and organizations that exist to protect victims, domestic violence still continues to be such a major issue. This is why Mandatory Counseling for offenders is a great way to prevent domestic violence from happening.

The causes of Domestic Violence

The main cause of domestic violence in the community of Arizona is drug use. To be more precise, people go under the use of drugs and can’t control themselves and they may end up abusing their partner. Another cause for domestic violence is use of alcohol, and the amount of alcohol people are using. “Around 40%-60% of reported domestic abuse situations involve alcohol or drug use.” Having short temper or anger issues can also result in domestic violence.

Additionally, the abusers need for power is another cause. According to Respond Gala, a domestic violence prevention agency, “However, at its core, domestic violence is about power and control. The person causing harm seeks to dominate their partner and maintain authority through a range of behaviors and tactics.” The need for power is a serious cause, people needing to feel superior to everyone, thinking they rule everyone, feeling the need to beat their partner or who disobeys him or her.

Lastly, ”Witnessing violence between one’s parents or caretakers is the strongest risk factor of transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.” This is a big problem because kids will always piggy back off of what they see, meaning the more they see the more they will do. " Childhood abuse is commonly associated with becoming a perpetrator of domestic violence as an adult. Children will copy whatever the parents do, thinking it's okay to do that same exact act, even if it's coping with the offender or victim. Children should not be seeing that type of act from their parents, this will cause the children to have that image stuck in their head having that as memory which is not okay for and child to go through that.

Why the Government Should Help Solve Domestic Violence

The government is always permitted to help citizens, and that includes people fighting domestic violence. Every year there are “almost 100 deaths due to domestic violence in Maricopa county” leaving people to wonder if the government is really helping citizens fight against domestic violence. Other places in the U.S. domestic violence rates are going down, but here in Arizona it’s going up. This is going to cause a big problem in the community of Arizona, if people find out that the government is slacking against fighting domestic violence more people are going to wind up abusing their woman. Knowing the government isn’t doing anything about it, which is going to lead to higher rates of domestic violence. This is why we need the government to put more funding, more effort and make more shelters, or put anyone with a past of domestic violence into therapy or any child who witnessed domestic violence. Or just anything they can contribute to help solve domestic violence, and lower domestic violence rates.

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