Utah Domestic Violence Coalition

Prevention: udvc advocates for the advancement of policies and practices that prioritize victim safety and empowerment, raising awareness about the need for effective prevention and intervention in the context of Domestic Violence. Udvc strives to integrate effective public health strategies into its work, enhancing the state's ability to address Domestic Violence comprehensively. Udvc has successfully piloted two innovative prevention programs: (1) the lethality assessment protocol (lap) is an evidence-based tool that identifies individuals at risk of lethal intimate partner abuse and connects them with victim services. (2) homesafe is a flexible financial assistance program that addresses factors contributing to homelessness, ensuring survivors have access to stable housing.

Linkline: udvc's hotline was established in 1993 and has served thousands of victims of Domestic Violence as the only state-wide, free, confidential, and anonymous hotline where callers receive crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referral services on safe shelters, community resources, legal assistance, victim advocates, counseling agencies and other needs. The linkline uses lap to save lives through collaboration with law enforcement and service providers. Udvc also partners with the refugee & immigration center to develop services for victims of human trafficking and, using the protocol, to connect high-risk trafficking victims with immediate expert assistance. All calls are answered by trained Domestic Violence advocates. The linkline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Outreach: outreach plays a vital role in udvc's mission to provide services to underserved populations who may face barriers in accessing support. Outreach also increases awareness about the available resources for Domestic Violence victims and their families. Udvc's outreach coordinator provides technical assistance and training to address the unique needs of Utah's rural and tribal communities, tailoring services to meet their needs. Its outreach efforts extend to communities of color, immigrant and refugee families, individuals with disabilities, the lgbtq community, and plural families. We strive to bridge the gap between services and those who may face geographical, cultural, or logistical obstacles. Udvc ensures that services are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and responsive to needs.

Training and education: udvc is committed to offering comprehensive training, education, and technical assistance to professionals across Utah. The objective is to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high quality services to victims of interpersonal Violence. Udvc has established an exceptional in-house training team to provide specialized training programs, in collaboration with national and local technical experts, ensuring that practices align with the most up-to-date evidence-based approaches and national best practices. By staying current with the latest developments in the field, udvc can better serve the communities of Utah with this collaborative approach to address the specific challenges and requirements of different communities within our state, ensuring that training is relevant, effective, and impactful.