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Maricopa County proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Supervisor Lesko shares personal survival story
Summary
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation declaring October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and heard a video and in-person remarks from Supervisor Debbie Lesko describing her experience as a survivor. Board members urged year‑round action and resources for victims.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1 proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and heard Supervisor Debbie Lesko describe leaving an abusive marriage and rebuilding her life.
The proclamation cites statewide data from the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence and notes that in 2024 there were 61 domestic‑violence‑related homicides in Arizona, 56 percent of which occurred in Maricopa County. The board read the proclamation aloud and observed a video message from Supervisor Lesko in which she narrated her experience leaving an abusive relationship and urged others that “there is hope.”
The proclamation notes that domestic violence affects people across ages, genders and communities and encourages citizens to support organizations that provide education, outreach and victim services. During remarks following the video, Lesko said leaving was difficult and warned that “it’s the most dangerous time” for victims, adding, “You will survive. You will get on your feet.”
Board members responded with personal remarks and calls for action. Vice Chair Brophy McGee and Supervisor Stewart thanked Lesko for sharing her story; Supervisor Gardo said the message reached the board’s 14,000 county employees and urged officials to keep resources, housing and counseling available year‑round. Chairman Galvin commended the county’s communications team for the video, calling it one of the year’s most important productions and stating Maricopa County agencies stand ready to offer assistance.
The board did not record a separate roll‑call vote for the proclamation in the transcript; the proclamation was read and adopted by the board as part of the agenda sequence. Officials highlighted local hotlines and resources: the Arizona Coalition helpline listed in the video is (602) 279‑2980 and helpline@acesdv.org.
Board members emphasized the need for continued funding and programming for prevention, housing and counseling and encouraged county employees and community members to contact county agencies for support.
Supervisor Lesko and others asked that the county keep awareness and services active beyond October and make information about shelters, hotlines and legal assistance readily available to employees and residents.
The board moved on to the next agenda item after the remarks.
