The Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University focuses our research on women, but both men and women experience domestic violence. Our recent research summary, “Domestic Violence Among Utah Women: What Utahns Need to Know,” underscores that domestic violence is broader than many people realize. It includes intimate partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse from roommates or others in the home. Physical violence is the most visible form, but domestic violence can also include sexual, psychological, financial, and emotional abuse, and extends to dating violence. At its core, domestic violence involves patterns of power and control over another person. 

The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond the person being abused. In Utah, domestic violence committed in the presence of a child is legally considered child abuse, and research shows it has long�’term emotional and behavioral effects on children who witness it. 

For Utah women who have experienced domestic violence, the consequences are wide�’ranging. They face higher risks for negative health and social outcomes: more poor mental health days, missed work or activities, difficulty concentrating, daily smoking, binge drinking, challenges completing errands alone, and overall poorer health. Many Utah women who experience domestic violence have also been in more than one abusive relationship, underscoring how patterns of harm can repeat without intervention and support. 

The high rate of domestic violence in Utah is startling: one in three Utah women experience domestic violence during her lifetime. The most extreme cases of domestic violence can be deadly. In Utah, one in three adult homicides is domestic�’violence related, making awareness, prevention, and intervention a true matter of life and death for our communities. 

UWLP’s 2025 statewide survey found that only 60% of Utah County residents believe domestic violence is a problem in their community. Another 21% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed, so there is significant opportunity to increase awareness that domestic violence affects every neighborhood, extended family, and congregation. 

To their credit, 91% of residents agree that emotional abuse is just as serious as physical abuse, and 45% of those strongly agree.  

When it comes to responding to domestic violence, 71% of respondents know where to find domestic violence resources and support in their community. But only 54% know how to take concrete steps to help address domestic violence in their community. In addition, only 32% of residents are familiar with the “Start by Believing” campaign that transforms how we respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse. In other words, there is still work to do to ensure people know where to turn and feel prepared to respond. 

In Utah County, The Refuge Utah provides critical services for women and children escaping domestic violence or sexual assault, including transitional housing, financial assistance, therapy, support groups, and a 24-hour helpline. In 2025, they supported 1,042 survivors, answered 2,231 hotline calls, and provided 13,346 nights of safety. To kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and broaden their impact, they broke ground on a new campus in Orem. This is a powerful testimony of the value Utah County puts on supporting women and families. Their goal to create a permanent place of safety, healing, and hope for survivors is one our community can stand behind.   

But services can only help if people know they exist–and if friends, neighbors, family members, educators, health professionals, faith leaders, and others recognize warning signs and know how to respond. Four actions can make a meaningful difference: 

1. Learn the warning signs and reach out. Abuse is not always visible. Controlling finances, isolating someone from friends and family, monitoring their communications, threatening them, or repeatedly humiliating or intimidating them can all be signs of an abusive relationship. 

1. Believe people when they share concerns or fears. Instead of asking why someone stays, listen without judgment and help connect them with appropriate resources. Leaving an abusive relationship can be complicated and dangerous, and each person’s circumstances are different. 

1. Increase awareness of local resources. Know where someone in your family, workplace, school, or congregation can turn for help. Share information before it is needed. 

1. Support efforts to mandate data reporting. Better information helps communities understand the scope of domestic violence, identify gaps in services, and develop more effective prevention strategies. 

The Utah Women & Leadership Project’s Domestic Violence Resource Kit provides additional information and resources for those who want to learn more.  

Every statistic represents a person, a family, and a life affected by violence. By learning more, recognizing warning signs, responding with compassion, and making resources easier to find, Utah County residents can play a role in preventing violence and supporting healthier relationships. Creating safer communities starts with each of us. 

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Dr. Susan R. Madsen will present October 27 at the “Healing Generations: Protecting Home and Family” conference at The Ruth & Nathan Hale Theater in Pleasant Grove, a partnership between UWLP and Family Haven, GenerationAll, Saprea, and The Refuge. Email crystal.bwf@gmail.com to learn more or register here.