Oct 15, 2025
At the Utah State Capitol on Tuesday, survivors of domestic violence stood shoulder to shoulder with lawmakers, advocates, and supporters during the second annual “Dear Utah” rally — a growing movement aimed at ending the silence surrounding domestic abuse.
Hosted by Fight Against Domestic Violence, in partnership with the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition and A Boulder Way Forward, the event served as a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a human story — one of pain, resilience, and survival.
“You are not alone. The violence you’re experiencing is not your fault,” said Brooke Muir, Executive Director of Fight Against Domestic Violence. “We are here to believe you, to support you, and to fight for change.”
Breaking the Silence: Real Stories, Real Survivors
Among the many voices was Dr. Jennifer Andrus, a professor at the University of Utah and a survivor herself. For years, she has collected testimonies from men and women who escaped abusive relationships.
Her story is both harrowing and hopeful. After years of emotional and physical abuse, Andrus made the courageous decision to leave. That decision nearly cost her life — she was held hostage for hours and shot four times by her then-husband, one bullet costing her an eye.
“Survival isn’t just leaving,” Andrus shared. “It’s reclaiming your voice, your safety, and your sense of self.”
Her words echoed throughout the Capitol rotunda, capturing the spirit of the event: resilience over victimhood.
Domestic Violence in Utah: The Alarming Reality
Utah’s numbers are sobering. According to the Department of Public Safety, law enforcement responds to over 11,000 domestic violence cases each year.
“In 63% of these cases, victims are in potentially lethal situations,” said Tanner Jensen, director at the Department of Public Safety. “These aren’t just statistics — they’re real people, real families, and real lives at risk.”
Jensen highlighted other disturbing trends:
- 38% of survivors report being choked or strangled by their partner.
- 34% say their abuser owns or has access to firearms.
- 30% fear that their life is in immediate danger.
These realities underline the urgency for stronger legal protections and better support systems across Utah.
A Growing Demand for Resources
Nonprofits like the Dove Center and Peace House have reported a steady rise in people seeking help.
“We’ve seen a 2% increase in survivor support requests every year for the past three years,” said Jillian Penhale, Executive Director at the Dove Center. “The need for funding and long-term resources is greater than ever.”
Domestic and criminal violence also remain the leading causes of homicide in Utah between mid-2023 and early 2025.
“Domestic violence affects everyone — women, men, children, families, and entire communities,” added Katie Hansen of Altabank.
Lawmakers Respond: Toward a Safer Utah
Sen. Chris Wilson (R-Salt Lake City) reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting survivors and strengthening penalties for offenders.
“Our courts, law enforcement agencies, and legislative bodies must work together,” Wilson said. “When these systems align, they form the backbone of a safer Utah.”
The rally concluded with a call for unity, awareness, and ongoing action — not just during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but year-round.
A Statewide Call to Compassion
The “Dear Utah” campaign continues to collect survivor letters — personal stories meant to humanize the crisis and inspire legislative and cultural change. Each story shared at the Capitol was a plea to the public: see beyond the numbers, and stand up for those still fighting to be heard.
