What is PAVE? Domestic and Dating Violence is a growing concern in our country today. The alarming statistics show approximately one in four teenagers will experience violence in dating relationships, and as many as 50% of women will suffer from some kind of domestic violence in their lifetime. In response to over 3,000 911 domestic violence calls for service a year, the Chandler (AZ) Police Department teamed up with My Sisters’ Place Domestic Violence Shelter to provide domestic violence prevention education within the schools and community. The collaboration proved to be exceptional, with the development of Preventing Abuse and Violence through Education, otherwise known as PAVE. PAVE is taught by Chandler Police Department School Resources Officers (SROs).

In the Schools PAVE targets Chandler area junior and senior high students about interpersonal and dating violence prevention. Pave is implemented in core curriculum classes such as science and physical education; therefore ensuring every student receives the program. PAVE has four key objectives conveyed throughout the sessions. Students are provided with a clear understanding of the four types of abuse, are taught many warning signs of abusive behavior, along with the root causes of violent behavior (power and control), and then are given information about key elements of healthy relationships.

Four Types of Abuse: Physical, Emotional, Verbal, Sexual

Warning Signs: Explosive Anger, Extreme Jealousy, Unpredictable Mood Swings, Manipulation, Possessiveness & Controlling Attitude, Drug or Alcohol Use, Low Self-Esteem
Issues of Power and Control: Isolation/Exclusion, Peer Pressure, Threatening/Intimidating, Minimize/Deny/Blame, Using Social Status, Emotional Abuse/Anger
Healthy Relationships: Compromises, Communication, High Self-Esteem, Outside Friendships

In the Community PAVE educates the public about domestic violence issues including the current laws, prevention and awareness. PAVE is currently giving presentations to local civic and corporate groups in the community as well as district meetings.
Another part of the program is to provide in-service training to officers in appropriate response, investigation and prosecution techniques specific to domestic violence cases.

Domestic Violence Links:
Family Violence Prevention Fund
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
U.S. Department of Justice Violence Against Women