Tales From Utah Valley: October shines light on domestic violence
Courtesy The Refuge Utah
Victims' Advocates from Utah County joined in the candlelight vigil for domestic violence victims on Oct. 7, 2021, in Provo.More than the beginning of autumn, football and Halloween, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As the month is soon coming to an end, we can take steps to remain aware all year long.
At the beginning of October, The Refuge Utah, which provides services for survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and stalking, shared on social media ways to make an impact this month — and to continue when this month is over. “Learn signs of abuse. Be good to your partner and make sure your partner is good to you,” it reads. While some signs of domestic abuse are more obvious than others, there are signs to watch for, including one partner exerting more control, isolation, extreme jealousy, damaging belongings, intimidating with weapons, threatening, demeaning, calling names and criticizing the partner. Victims might make excuses for injuries or try to cover bruises, skip out on planned activities or always check in with their partners.
In addition to being aware of signs, another way to make an impact is to recognize and talk about interpersonal violence. If we suspect there is an abuse situation, it is our duty to ask about it, even if that may seem awkward or uncomfortable. Asking about it and letting others know that they can talk to us can help to change or even to save a life.
Learning about area resources and sharing these with those who may need help is another way to make an impact against domestic violence and abuse. Help is available 24 hours a day by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. The Refuge Utah’s 24-hour hotline number is 801-377-5500. Utah Domestic Violence Coalition’s 24-hour LINKLine is 800-897-LINK (5465). It is recommended to save these numbers in phones.
We often think of domestic violence impacting only women. But the truth is that anyone can be a victim. According to The Refuge Utah’s Facebook page, male survivors can be marginalized because intimate partner violence against them is not perceived as abusive. They are socialized to trivialize these experiences and they may find it difficult to disclose what is happening to others out of fear of ridicule or shame. “All people should be treated well and being a man does not make someone immune to abuse,” it reads.
So, how can we all help during every month of the year? Watching for signs in our loved ones and asking them about what is happening is one way. We can also donate money, time or goods to local domestic violence shelters. Voting in local and national elections on laws that impact housing security, economic mobility, family life and women’s issues is another way. When it comes time to vote for local prosecutors, find out if they are tough on those who inflict intimate partner or domestic violence. If not, it’s time to vote them out.
Help for domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text “START” to 88788
Utah Department of Human Services
Utah Domestic Violence Coalition
1-800-897-LINK (5465)
The Refuge Utah
801-377-5500
