Web: udvc.org ● Email: admin@udvc.org ● Facebook: facebook.com/UtahDVCoalition
Utah Domestic Violence Coalition
205 North 400 West ● Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 ● (801) 521-5544 ● Fax (801) 521-5548
Kendra Wyckoff, Executive Director
For immediate release: CONTACT:
October 16th 2014 Kendra Wyckoff
Executive Director
(801) 521-5544 (office)
(801) 661-5300 (cell)
Utah responds to call to “CHOOSE TO CHERISH”
The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition will officially launch its new public awareness campaign, “Choose to Cherish”, this Friday October 17 as the focal point of its domestic violence awareness month activities.
In 2013, there were at least 23 domestic violence related deaths in Utah and for the last five years the rate of domestic violence in Utah continues to surpass the national average.
“Choose to Cherish is a campaign and action that everyone can participate in. We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence and by standing together as communities, and a state, we can create lasting social change”, explained Kendra Wyckoff, Executive Director of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. “On Friday October 17th community leaders from across the state will stand together with us and publicly pledge that they will make an active choice to cherish their family, friends, neighbors and community. We hope that they will carry this same message back to their communities and that others in our state will make the same choice and help support Utah in becoming the safest state in the nation for families. ”
Senator Lee commented, “Choosing to cherish our loved ones is at the heart of Utah values. I applaud the efforts of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to remind us that we must protect our families from any type of abuse or mistreatment. I am proud that Utah is a leader in putting the family first, and I encourage our citizens to continue their support of this worthy cause."
What: Choose to Cherish: Standing Together Event
When: Friday October 17th 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Maverik Center 3200 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City
Speakers:
Simi Poteki, Kava Talks, Tongan Pacific Island Male Domestic Violence Advocacy Group
Damon Polk, Member of the San Carlos Apache and Quechan Tribes & Substance Abuse Counselor with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah in Cedar City UT
Carol Matthews Shiflett, Executive Director of The Sojourner Group
Iris Gomez, Chair of the Colavi Latino Coalition
Chief Lee Russo, West Valley City Police Department.
This event is by invitation only but is open to all members of the press.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, tell a friend, a neighbor, a family member or co-worker. For
immediate help call 9-1-1. If you decide to leave a violent relationship, do not threaten to leave, and do not act alone.
Call a local victim advocate or the Utah Domestic Violence LINKLine at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) for help. Your call is
confidential and could save lives. You can be referred to an advocate who will help you create a safety plan and help find
shelter and supportive services for you and your children. If you are a person who has been violent, there is also help
available for you through the Link-Line.
About UDVC
The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) is a private 501 (c ) (3) non-profit recognized nationally as providing expertise concerning issues of
domestic and sexual violence to member programs and community partners throughout the State of Utah. UDVC is a membership comprised of nonprofit
victim service agencies throughout the State of Utah as well as other allied agencies. This membership structure ensures that the voice of
victims and local communities remains central to our work and mission. www.udvc.org ####
