Does the person you love . . .
Threaten to hurt you or your children?
Say "It's your fault" if he/she hits you, then promises it won't happen again (but it does)?
Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends?
Throw you down, push, hit, choke, kick or slap you?
Force you to have sex when you don't want to?
Just one "YES" answer means you're involved in an abusive relationship.
If so, you're not alone, and you have choices.
NO ONE DESERVES TO BE ABUSED!
Domestic Violence Resources
Make A Plan
Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship can be very difficult. It may take time for you to feel ready. If you are ready to leave:
- Pack a bag to store with a friend or neighbor. Include cash or credit cards, a change of clothing for you and your children, toilet articles, and an extra set of keys to the house and car.
- Take important papers such as medicine and prescriptions, ID, birth certificates for you and your children, check book, health insurance cards, legal documents, and Social Security cards or numbers.
- In case of emergency, know exactly where you will go and how to get a family member or friend to confidentially help you. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you think you are hurt.
You should not clean yourself up, clean the scene of the abuse, nor do anything that might alter or destroy any evidence until it has been witnessed, recorded and/or preserved by a officer. Evidence includes: blood stains, hair samples, semen samples, grab marks, bruises, scratches, torn clothing, damaged or tipped over furnishings, alcohol containers, pictures of the victim or surroundings, x-rays, doctor's reports, and witness statements by you and anyone else who saw or heard the violence.
A victim advocate can refer you to counseling, shelter and other services. To talk to a department Victim Advocate call 743-5860 or 743-5861 for spanish speaking.
Call the Police
POLICE OFFICER ACTION 801.743.7000
FOR AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1
When a officer responds to a call and has probable cause to believe a domestic violence crime has been committed, the officer must begin the criminal charging process against the abuser.
The officer must arrest and take the abuser into custody if the officer has probable cause to believe:
- the abuser may continue to hurt the victim;
- the abuser has recently caused serious injury to the victim;
- or
the abuser has violated a protective order.
The officer must also arrange for the victim, and any of his/her family members residing with the victim, to obtain emergency housing, shelter and/or medical treatment if needed.
Following the incident, the victim can contact the Records Unit
(801-743-5755) for a copy of the officer's report. Victims may receive a free copy of the report depending on state and federal disclosure guidelines.
If the abuser is arrested, the department will attempt to notify the victim if the abuser is released from jail. An abuser may not be released from jail unless ordered by the court, or the abuser signs a statement agreeing to:
- No contact with the victim.
- Not threaten or harass the victim.
- Not enter the victim's residence or any other place occupied by the victim.
It is a new crime for the abuser to break the terms of release and the abuser can be re-arrested.
How to obtain protective orders
Fill out a Protective Order Petition with the Third District Court (Matheson Court House - 450 So. State Street). Legal Aid or a court clerk will assist the victim in this process.
- Once the petition is filled out, a judge will review the petition and decide whether an immediate (ex parte) protective order should be issued. Legal Aid or the court clerk will then set a court hearing within 20 days at which time both the victim and abuser are to appear.
- The court will then deliver the order to the appropriate law enforcement agency to have it personally served on the abuser.
- At the court hearing the judge decides whether to extend the protective order and determines how long it will be necessary.
A protective order can require the abuser to:
- Immediately leave the victim's home;
- Not harm the victim or any other family members;
- Avoid any personal, telephone, written, or indirect contact with the victim;
- Stay away from the victim's employment;
- Or any other relief necessary for the safety and welfare of the victim or family member.
There is no charge to file the petition, to have a protective order issued, to obtain certified copies of the order, or to serve the order on the abuser.
Persons should be advised that lying to obtain a Protective Order
may be considered a felony under the Utah Code.
A violation of a protective order is a criminal violation.
It is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Advocate Program
- Contact Numbers
- 801.743.5860
801.743.5861 Spanish
The Domestic Violence Advocate Program
assists and supports persons in averting potential or continued domestic violence and promotes public education to enhance awareness, prevention and intervention of Domestic Violence.
Services Offered
Document Support:
Advocates can provide assistance to victims by helping them obtain court documents and Sheriff's Office reports. They also assist investigators with follow-up procedures and advocacy within the criminal justice system.
Referrals:
The Domestic Violence Advocates can provide information and referrals pertaining to victim's rights, support groups, translation service, counseling centers, and financial support.
Direct Services:
Advocates can attend court proceedings with victims in a support capacity.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency - Dial 9-1-1
Advocacy Organizations:
UPD Advocates 801.743.5860
UPD Advocates (Spanish speaking) 801.743.5861
Rape Recovery Center 801.467.7273
Child Protective Services Referral Hotline 801.538.4377
Crisis Lines:
UPD Advocate Crisis Line 801.573.2297
UPD Advocate Crisis Line (Spanish speaking) 801.573.1808
Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.897.LINK
Emergency Assistance (shelter/food):
YWCA 801.537.8600
South Valley Sanctuary 801.255.1095
Marilac House (women and children) 801.359.0830
Rescue Mission (men) 801.355.1302
Safe Animal Program 801.264.2243
Baptist Concern Center 801.972.5708
Financial Assistance:
Crime Victim Reparations 801.238.2360
Workforce Services (food stamps, childcare, medicaid, job, etc.) 801.526.9765
Legal Services:
Legal Aid Society (main - divorces) 801.328.8849
Legal Aid Society (court - protective orders) 801.238.7170
Legal Referral 801.531.9075
Utah Legal Services 801.328.8891
Protective Orders 801.238.7301
Counseling:
Cornerstone 801.355.2846
HOPE 801.281.4084
Intermountain Specialized Abuse Treatment Center (ISAT) (801) 886-8900
1555 W. 2200 S. Suite A, West Valley City, UT 84119
Sandy Counseling (Visions program - children) 801.944.1666
Trauma Awareness Center 801.263.6367
Numerous de Servicios en Espanol
Servicios Legales (Immigracion):
Multicultural Legal Center 801.486.1183
Holy Cross Ministries - Sis. Sharlet Wagner 801.908.0293 ext.22
Servicios de Crisis y Communidad:
Centro de la Familia 801.538.0978
Terapia:
Family Support Center 801.255.6881
Cornerstone 801.355.2846
