October 28, 2020
This month we observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and stand with survivors and advocates to raise our voices to support victims and stand together to raise awareness of domestic violence and available resources.
This year, as COVID-19 cases rose, schools closed, workers were furloughed, and stay-at-home orders were implemented. For many, this provided time to be with loved ones and shelter together in a safe environment. However, for some home is not a place of safety and instead they were trapped with their abusers.
Despite an expected increase in calls to the domestic violence hotline following the pandemic, the number of calls actually declined. This does not reflect a decrease in domestic violence cases, but rather an inability for victims to ask for help and connect with resources.
Domestic violence affects every gender, race, age, religion, culture, and socioeconomic background. It can be more than just punches and bruises – it can be yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, threats and isolation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of abuse or intimate partner violence, know that you are not alone, it is not your fault and there is help available to you. Below are some resources available nationally and in Utah:
Hotlines
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Utah Domestic Violence LINKLine: 1-800-897-LINK (5465) (If LINKLine advocates are experiencing an increased call volume, calls will be forwarded to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.)
- 24-Hour Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-421-1100
Organizations
