The Arizona Foundation for Women Kicks Off 6th Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) March 13, 2008 -- The Arizona Foundation for Women (www.azfoundationforwomen.org) announced that the 2008 Walk to End Domestic Violence will be held on April 26, 2008 at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. The Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K Run, followed by the 5K Walk and then a Kids Dash. The festivities will include a live performance from the Chris Parker Project, a Kids Zone with games and activities, sponsor booths with giveaways and a designated area where participants can learn about domestic violence shelters and programs in Maricopa County. The Home Team Sponsors (Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Arizona Coyotes) will be participating in interactive areas hosted by players and mascots.

The 2008 Walk to End Domestic Violence will raise much-needed funds to support domestic violence shelters and programs in Maricopa County that provide full-service support to women and children as they flee violent situations. The Walk is also designed to increase awareness of this devastating problem as domestic violence incidences are increasing and public supported fundraising is more critical than ever. Funds are raised through registration fees and pledges collected by participants. All event costs are underwritten by corporate sponsors, therefore 100 percent of the pledges and registration fees directly benefit the shelters looking to end domestic violence.

"We are honored to host the Walk and to continue the good work that The Arizona Republic and 12 News started," states Nancy Dean, CEO of the Arizona Foundation for Women. "The funds raised from the Walk have helped thousands of lives and the event draws attention to one of Arizona's most critical social issues. We challenge our community to join with us in taking a stand against domestic violence. This abuse is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it -- we must have a unified voice."

All community members are welcome to join the 5K Walk or Run. Participants include the Honorary Chair, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, city officials, teams from local corporations, domestic violence shelters, victims of abuse and community members who want to show their support for the issue.

The Walk to End Domestic Violence aims to raise $400,000 and gain participation from a minimum of 4,000 walkers and runners with a minimum of 146 teams.

To participate in the Walk to End Domestic Violence or to learn more about the event, visit http://www.azfoundationforwomen.org/dv-walk/.

Domestic Violence Statistics

- One in every four women in the U.S. is abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in her life

- Each year, nearly 100 women are killed in domestic violence situations in Arizona

- Sixty percent of all Child Protective Services cases involve a domestic violence component

- Domestic violence is the leading cause of death of women in the workplace

- Over 4.5 million assaults are committed against U.S. women by intimate partners each year

- More than 50 percent of domestic violence victims live with children under the age of 12

- More than 50 percent of all Arizona women and their children seeking shelter from domestic violence are turned away due to lack of space (approximately 17,000 per year in Maricopa County)

- Domestic violence costs U.S. businesses nearly $1 billion in lost productivity

About The Arizona Foundation for Women:

The Arizona Foundation for Women (AZF) is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization dedicated to investing in and promoting innovative solutions that address the unmet needs of women and children throughout the state of Arizona.

Using ongoing research, the Foundation identifies and focuses on priority issues such as domestic violence, child abuse and the health and self-esteem of women, teens and children.

The Arizona Foundation for Women's Men's Anti-Violence Network (MAN) enlists the help of prominent community leaders to focus on prevention and abuser accountability. Employers Against Domestic Violence (EADV) is a program that focuses on domestic violence awareness in the workplace. To date, AFW programs have benefited more than a million individuals in the state of Arizona. For more information about the Arizona Foundation for Women, please call (602) 532-2800.

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