October 1st 2014
October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Utah is also lending its voice to speak out about this pervasive and life threatening crime that affects the very core of communities, families and individuals.
Governor Herbert has officially announced that October 2014 is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Utah in a gubernatorial declaration delivered to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC). Kendra Wyckoff, Executive Director of the Coalition, expressed her gratitude to the Governor for recognizing the impact of domestic violence in our state and the need to raise awareness both of the issue itself and the challenges that survivors face to find compassion, comfort and healing after being exposed to a crime that violates an individual’s dignity, self-worth, physical and emotional security.
Ms. Wyckoff commented, “It is critical that leaders in our community recognize the impact of domestic violence on our families and are prepared to speak out about it. However, community leadership is only one piece of the puzzle in addressing domestic violence. To create lasting social change and end domestic violence in our communities each of us, whether you are a doctor, the PTA president, a faith leader, an employer, a friend or neighbor, needs to play a part. Keeping silent about domestic violence allows it to thrive. Together we must send a clear and consistent message that victims of domestic violence are not responsible for the abuse, whether they choose to leave an abusive relationship or not, and that our society wants to and will hold an abuser accountable.”
Nearly three out of four (74%) of Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence does not discriminate and can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and
education levels. Help is available for anyone concerned about their own relationship or the safety of a friend or family member at the Utah Domestic Violence LINKLine, a 24/7 toll free and confidential hotline: call 1-800-897- LINK (5465).
For more details on Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Utah and to read the Governor’s declaration in full please visit www.udvc.org
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.
