Let’s Talk New Mexico, 10/10/24, 8am: Statistics show domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. New Mexico ranks slightly higher than the national average when it comes to women experiencing lifetime intimate partner violence. While a structure for collecting this type of data is still evolving, obtaining consistent data from law enforcement, tribal lands, college campuses, and hospitals is a challenge.
New Mexico has made some progress in protecting victims in recent years. In 2023, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that in order to obtain a protective order, victims no longer have the burden of proof of showing imminent danger or injury. In addition, the state constitution was amended in 2016 to require judges to determine that if someone is accused of a violent crime or is a danger to others that person might remain in jail without bond or has to pay a high bond to be released.
On this week’s Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’ll recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by discussing efforts in the state to make survivors safer and where improvements could still help more people. Have you ever sought help for domestic violence? What was that experience like? Email letstalk@kunm.org, leave a voice message on the web page for the show, or call in live Thursday morning at 8.
Guests:
- Patrick Gallegos, Sex Trafficking Project Coordinator, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women
- Maryellen Garcia, Chief Executive Director, The New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Matt Mirarchi, Director of Advancement and Operations, Enlace Comunitario
- Alexandria Taylor, Deputy Director, New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
- Sachi Watase, Executive Director, New Mexico Asian Family Center
Resources:
New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline call/llame, text/enviar un mensaje or chat/chatee 1-844-NMSAHLP (1-844-667-2457) English and Spanish
The National Domestic Violence Hotline - Call, Text, or Chat
1-800-799-SAFE
