Domestic Violence Awareness

Domestic abuse may be more than domestic violence.
Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or psychological.

Victim Advocate Program Brochure
Victim Information Card
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, please contact a victim advocate
to complete a lethality assessment and create a personal safety plan at 801-580-7969.
If there is immediate danger dial 911.

A few indicators and behaviors of domestic abuse are listed below. Domestic abuse can come in cycles or waves – with breaks in the abuse. Domestic violence is likely to escalate in frequency and severity. Some of the most dangerous times can be when someone choses to leave a violent relationship.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, please contact a victim advocate to complete a lethality assessment and create a personal safety plan at
801-580-7969.

Possible indicators someone may be in an abusive relationship

  • May have visible injuries and may not be able to share how they happened, or give excuses for how injuries occurred
  • May have to constantly check in with partner
  • May be worried about upsetting their partner, have to constantly “walk on eggshells”
  • May have to show their phone to their partner who will review their calls, texts, social media, etc.
  • May become isolated and unable to spend much time with friends and family

Common behaviors that may be used by an abusive partner include:

  • Verbally insults and/or abuses partner
  • Controls the daily activities of their partner, or restricts their ability to leave
  • Jealous and possessive of their partner
  • Insecurity about their partner cheating on them
  • Follows, watches, or monitors conversations, activities, work schedules
  • Uses physical violence
  • Uses humiliation and shame against their partner
  • Tries to make partner feel worthless, sleep deprived, unsure of their own thoughts
  • Watches spending or controls finances
  • May use technology to track partner
  • Threats to use violence or weapons

If you believe someone you know is in an abusive relationship or someone confides in you, you may wonder about how to respond. Simply listening and offering support is a great start. Find some important points to remember and a few helpful responses below.

Key Points to Remember

  • Offer support without judgement
  • Remember that you are not able to rescue others, or make decisions for them – empower them to make their own best
  • Avoid assigning blame
  • Don’t force them to talk to you
  • Leave the door open for conversation
  • Start by believing
  • Understand parties may have complex feelings- fear, love, guilt, and anger
  • Be a safe place for them to go
  • Call police when appropriate
  • Help them find resources
  • Help them know what you can, and can’t do to help

Brief Responses to Consider

  1. What you’ve shared makes me worried about your safety and health.
  2. What happened may be scary, difficult, confusing – it is brave of you to try to regain control.
  3. Use “I” statements such as:
    1. I’m concerned
    2. I’m worried about your safety
    3. I want to help
  4. Let me help with contacting a victim advocate to create a safety and exit plan before ending/leaving the relationship.
  5. Let’s find safe places to stay, safe places to flee to during a violent event.
  6. Let’s create a code word that you can use in a call or text when you are in danger or need help.
  • Utah Domestic violence coalition
    https://udvc.org/
    24 hour hotline: 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
  • Salt Lake City Police Department
    Victim Advocate Program
    https://slcpd.com/victim-services/
    24 hour #:  801-580-7969
    Callers can call from a blocked number and choose to remain confidential. Callers do not need to file a police report to get help.
  • Protective orders, civil stalking injunctions, jail release agreements, and no contact orders are all different types of court orders that can help set boundaries with offenders. Please contact a victim advocate for more information on these orders.