Advocates encourage victims, perpetrators to seek help as domestic violence increases
Sep 26, 2022, 10:45 PM | Updated: 10:49 pm
FILE: Domestic violence organizations saw a significant increase in request for shelter during the pandemic.
SALT LAKE CITY — Domestic violence organizations saw a significant increase in requests for shelter during the pandemic, according to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition.
“The impact on domestic violence situations was just so much more magnified,” said Kimmi Wolf with UDVC.
The coalition just created a policy director position to help advocate for domestic violence resources this upcoming legislative session as service providers are facing growing needs in assisting victims of domestic abuse.
“The biggest barrier to understanding and recognizing domestic violence is preconceived notions of what it’s supposed to look like,” Wolf said. “It happens to people that look, you know, just like you, and it happens in our neighborhood.”
1 in 3 Utah women will experience some form of domestic violence in her lifetime, which means that over 370,000 Utah adult women have already or will directly experience this type of violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Wolf said the available resources support victims and perpetrators of abuse who want to change and get help.
“There really is no one that we cannot support, and we want to help end the cycle whether you are a perpetrating violence or if you are on the receiving end of the violence,” Wolf said. “If we provide intervention for the perpetrator of violence, we are also helping the family.”
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.
There are several ways the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition can help people. Previous examples include providing financial assistance for funerals, moving, and counseling that helps people find a different path or stay healthy and safe and the relationship they’re in.
