October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country come together to raise awareness and advocate for violence prevention.
On Oct. 2, a candlelight walk honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence was held in Vineyard Grove Park. The event featured service projects and resource booths, a talk by Susan Madsen, director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project, and live music by Alex Boyé. The event was hosted by Vineyard City and The Refuge Utah, a crisis center in Orem for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Utah has seen an uptick in domestic violence cases in recent years. A recent investigation found that domestic violence is the leading cause of homicide in Utah, accounting for 51 of 137 homicides that occurred between July 2023 and January 2025.
Domestic violence is rarely an isolated event and isn’t limited to physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual, physical, and financial abuse. Friends, neighbors and colleagues are usually the ones who can spot the early signs of abuse. This can look like isolation, depression, inexplicable marks or change in personality (e.g., becoming more quiet or acting impulsively). When you know the signs, you can recognize them, reach out to your loved one and help them out of a harmful situation.
Help for victims and survivors of domestic abuse is available in Utah:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: A confidential, statewide 24-hour domestic violence hotline can be reached at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
- Utah child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
