Advocates draw attention to lack of resources as Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins

SALT LAKE CITY — This week marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and people are calling for awareness and help. 

We’ve seen a deadly string of domestic violence incidents over the last several months, and it’s shining a spotlight on how big an issue it is here in Utah. 

Salt Lake City PD Director of Victim Services Wendy Isom said they are seeing more cases, and the state’s victims’ shelters aren’t keeping up.  Often, every shelter along the Wasatch Front is at capacity. 

Isom said the recent population boom may be to blame. But they also see a spike during certain times of year, like summer or right after the holiday season.  So advocates not only need more shelter beds, but Isom said she also has to add staff during those times of year.

As Domestic Violence Awareness month begins, other support organizations will be getting the word out about what other options are available other than shelters. And Isom said resources make a huge difference for victims.

“Victims who work with advocates are twice as likely to end up having a life without violence after,” Isom said. 

Community in action

On Thursday night, a community gathered at Vineyard Grove Park to show their support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault as part of the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk.

Domestic violence resources