A common misconception is that domestic violence as well as intimate partner violence is limited to physical abuse. On the contrary, domestic violence includes verbal, emotional, sexual, mental/ psychological, financial and religious abuse. It is defined as actions OR threats of actions that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, demean, blame, hurt, injure or wound another person. It is a pattern of behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner or family member.

While the groundwork for awareness of domestic violence began in the early 1970s, it wasn’t until 1987 that the first toll-free hotline was launched and the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed.

In 1994, Congress passed the first comprehensive federal law focused on preventing and addressing domestic violence—the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA.)

While VAWA has helped to bring domestic violence “out of the shadows” and has increased reporting, the widely accepted statistic of 1 in 3 women experiencing partner violence during their lifetime remains.

Effective in July 2023, a Utah law now requires law enforcement to conduct a lethality assessment (LAP) when responding to intimate partner violence calls. The LAP is an evidence based strategy to prevent intimate partner homicides by identifying high-risk victims and connecting them with services.

While the implementation of the LAP is a victory, there is still much to be done! We invite you to stand with us against domestic violence in our area.

A 2025 review of law enforcement and crisis calls reveals a gap in services for survivors in Kane and Garfield counties. In addition, rural areas are known to face unique challenges, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and lack of community education, often leaving survivors with nowhere to turn. Our goal is to change that.

For more information, click the Learn More button above.

Sexual assault is any sexual act or attempt to engage in a sexual act where consent is not obtained or freely and voluntarily given. It is any behavior of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, fearful, intimidated or threatened.

No matter the age the abuse occurred, survivors of sexual assault often feel shame and put blame on themselves for their perpetrator’s actions.

Unfortunately, family and friends of survivors also frequently succumb to the age-old, misguided practice of secret keeping and “brushing things under the rug.”

While survivors began speaking out in the early 1970s and the nation’s first rape crisis center opened in 1971, legislative growth and national recognition didn’t start until the 1990s. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed in 1994, providing legal protections and resources for survivors.

The first national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) was observed in 2001. With the help of social media, the #MeToo movement went viral in 2015, highlighting sexual assault on a global level.

With this momentum, it is critical to keep moving forward!

A 2025 review of law enforcement and crisis calls reveals a gap in services for survivors in Kane and Garfield counties. In addition, rural areas are known to face unique challenges, such as geographic isolation, limited resources, and lack of community education, often leaving survivors with nowhere to turn. Our goal is to change that.

For more information, click the Learn More button above.

Dating violence is defined as violence (verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, mental/psychological abuse) by a person who is or has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim.

Enduring abuse at any age is detrimental, but adolescents are especially at risk. Negative effects include poor academics, mental health issues, suicide, teen pregnancy and substance abuse.

According to the CDC, experiencing violence as a teen profoundly impacts lifelong health, opportunity and wellbeing. In addition, without intervention and education, unhealthy relationship patterns can start early and last a lifetime.

The call to end teen dating violence was formally recognized in 2006 when Congress declared the first week of February National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week and 2007 when the National Teen Dating Violence Hotline was established. In 2010 Congress declared the whole month of February to be National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

Relatively speaking this campaign is in its infancy and needs all the support we can bolster.

For more information, click the Learn More button above.

Human trafficking has existed as long as humans have existed. Early efforts and laws to oppose slavery and forced prostitution were not broad enough, dating back to pre human rights movements.

Human trafficking was not seen as a major issue until the late 1990s influenced in large part by globalization from technology. Since the year 2000, the United States, many other countries and the UN have passed laws that have established definitions for victims and created pathways for services.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the foundational US law, focusing on a three pronged approach: prevention, protection, and prosecution.

Current awareness campaigns have a much more victim-centered approach and have broadened definitions further. Now technology is used not just by traffickers, but as a tool to raise awareness and report exploitation.

Many anti-trafficking organizations now exist and sex trafficking is recognized as much more than a moral issue, but instead a complex global human rights crime.

Some may not believe this is a problem in our rural area. The truth is, it is a problem of such great proportion, that is is a problem everywhere. Each of us needs knowledge and tools to combat this serious issue and to keep our children and teens safe.