Learn how the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence has continued helping individuals in the Valley of the Sun by helping support legislation, hosting support group meetings and more.

3 Takeaways:

• ACESDV was founded in 1980 with the focus being primarily on domestic violence. In 2013, the organization rebranded as ACESDV and now includes sexual violence.
• The nonprofit focuses on key areas, including its Native American program, which provides in-person training sessions, community engagement and more to all 22 tribal communities in Arizona.
• In 2024, ACESDV received nearly 5,000 calls, chats, texts and emails to its helpline.

When survivors are not listened to, that impact ripples out negatively and adds to a family’s generational trauma. 

For nearly four decades, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) has become known as one of the premiere organizations leading the way when it comes to helping end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona. 

When the organization first launched in 1980, its main objective focused on eliminating domestic violence in Arizona. For nearly three decades, the nonprofit grew considerably while providing resources to survivors and their families as they navigated the proper steps to take next. 

In 2013, the organization rebranded as ACESDV and updated its mission statement to include sexual violence. 

The organization’s updated objective allowed for the coalition to expand its approach and become more involved with policy and legislation changes in Arizona. This also allowed the nonprofit to begin collaborating with all 22 tribal nations in Arizona to further provide resources, support and training to Indigenous communities fighting domestic and sexual violence.

In its 2024 annual report, ACESDV noted that it received 4,863 calls, chats, texts and emails to its helpline. 

In 2025, ACESDV partnered with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to help push for more positive policy changes. Staff helped create the policies at local shelters to ensure all services conducted are inclusive and affirming of 2SLGBTQIA+ survivors. 

Furthermore, this past May, ACESDV announced the passage of Arizona House Bill 2581, which authorizes and establishes a statewide sexual assault kit tracking system. “This law is a promise kept to survivors: that their experience matters, that their evidence won’t be forgotten, and that our systems will work for them and not against them,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV.

The new law requires full participation by all law enforcement, ensures survivors have secure access to case status updates, and standardizes accountability across the state to ensure the timely handling and testing of all sexual assault kits. 

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Selina Bliss, who represents District 1, which includes Yavapai County. Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the bill into law on May 13. 

ACESDV still continues to advocate for Arizona residents while providing support and guidance to those who need it. 

In the next issue of O’odham Action News, get to know the team behind ACESDV and learn the impact of the work that they provide statewide, including here in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.