Issue Position: Protecting the Most Vulnerable - Children and Seniors

Issue Position

Child abuse and domestic violence are sadly common tragedies in our communities. Child Protective Services (CPS) is overwhelmed, and can no longer investigate every report of abuse. Abused or exploited seniors too often don't know where to turn for help. In the polygamist community of Colorado City, young girls are regularly forced into sexually exploitative marriages, with no way out. Victims of these tragedies deserve the utmost support and protection. Unfortunately, reckless budget cuts have left both CPS and Adult Protective Services unable to tackle their caseloads.

What I've Done About It: Advocating for victims has been my life's passion. In the legislature, I have fought against the cuts that have left so many open to abuse. I've stood up for the rights of rape victims and pushed for more investment in domestic violence protection. In addition to working directly with child abuse victims as the staff attorney for the non-profit organization Defenders of Children, I have helped to train more than 1,000 attorneys and law enforcement officials on domestic violence and child abuse, and co-authored Child Advocacy 101, a guide to child protection systems in the United States.

What I'll Do As Attorney General: I believe that the most solemn obligation of our Arizona's elected leaders is to protect the most vulnerable. Sadly, our state is not living up to that obligation. As Attorney General, I will be Arizona's most vocal advocate for the abused by demanding that the legislature fully fund Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services, so that no report of abuse goes unheard. I'll prioritize training for case managers at both agencies so that we can collect better evidence and bring more cases to justice. To help fill in the gaps in our victims' services system, I will make the Attorney General's office more accessible to victims in rural areas.

Seniors are targeted as victims of many different kinds of crimes. That's why I'll establish an Elder Law Task Force to bring together experts and attorneys working on all of the kinds of crime that especially affect seniors. I pledge to continue Attorney General Goddard's efforts to reach out to seniors. I will expand the volunteer program in which seniors themselves are trained to spot and report incidents of abuse or exploitation. My office will provide trainings to senior centers and care facilities so that staff members know how to deal with cases of abuse.

Child abuse is not the only threat facing our children. I'll place more emphasis on educating parents about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and cyber-bullying, giving parents, schools, and teenagers alike the tools to stay safe. I will work with the Department of Education to make students and teachers aware of a statewide school violence hotline, so that we can prevent tragedies in our schools. Finally, I will continue my fight to end the tragedy of underage children forced into polygamous marriages in Colorado City.

"My top priority is simple: it's all about protecting people." - David Lujan

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