The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Domestic Violence Council celebrates a quarter century of concerted efforts to combat domestic abuse in the Phoenix area, an initiative sparked by a horrific tragedy 25 years ago. In the wake of Laura Muñoz's murder by her abusive husband after she was unable to find refuge in a full domestic violence shelter, the council was formed to unify regional responses to such violence. According to the Maricopa Association of Governments, MAG Domestic Violence Council Chair D.C. (Dolores) Ernst reflected on the organization's origin, "We were formed due to the intense commitment to strengthen the region’s response to domestic violence." Recognizing this, the MAG Regional Council approves a resolution every October to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the progress made.
A powerful component of the council’s strategy is the amplification of survivor stories, which serve both as a caution and as a call to action. During the council's October meeting, survivor Celina narrated her journey through "a slow boil" of domestic abuse that encompassed her children and pets. "Sharing my voice, I realized the impact, not only the impact to me but on a systems level," Celina told the council, as detailed by the MAG article.
Peggy Bilsten, the first chair of the council underscored the significance of creating the council, "There was no holistic collaboration being conducted in the region. There was no consistency," recalling the disparate state of responses to domestic violence before the council’s formation. Under the council’s guise, advancements such as text-to-9-1-1 services, lethality assessments, and providing protective orders have taken shape.
