Advocates remind domestic violence victims help is available following Enoch, Utah murders
Jan 6, 2023, 8:26 AM
ENOCH, Utah — With the suspected nature of the Enoch murders, those who work with domestic violence victims in Utah are reminding people that help is available.
Jennifer Campbell, executive director of Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, said hearing details about the crime during Thursday’s press conference was devastating.
“It is the outcome that you hope can be prevented,” Campbell said. “It does drive home the reality that people are experiencing violence every day, that not everyone is safe in their homes and that they need help.”
A mother and her 5 children were taken from this world and we may never understand why.
Police say their father shot and killed them just days after mom filed for divorce.
At 10:00, how domestic violence impacts rural communities differently than larger cities @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/gTHZpVWiAy
— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) January 6, 2023
The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition said homicides in rural areas are three times as likely to involve an intimate partner than in large cities.
One in three Utah women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and 40% of adult homicides in the state are domestic violence related.
“When we look at violence, we think of that power control dynamic and so when someone is disrupting that, you know, when someone is doing the things they want to do, they’re choosing to do, often that can be a trigger where violence does happen,” Campbell said.
What we know about the family killed in Enoch murder-suicide
Even though it can be difficult, Campbell is encouraging those who are in unhealthy relationships and need help, to reach out to the coalition for support.
“I think if they knew how many people are experiencing domestic violence, they’d know they are not alone,” she said. “So often you will hear comments from communities that say ‘we knew this family, there was nothing that we saw there that would’ve been a warning sign.’”
Domestic violence resources
If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.
- The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
- Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website.
- In an emergency, call 911.
