Women in Patriarchal Environments Face Systemic Barriers

Domestic Abuse & Domestic Violence

Resources in Utah

Systemic Failures: The Case of Gabby Petito and Personal Reflections

The tragic case of Gabby Petito serves as a stark reminder of how often the systems meant to protect women can fail them. In 2021, Gabby and her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, were stopped by Moab police after a domestic disturbance report. Despite visible distress and reports of physical altercations, the officers did not fully assess the situation, and Gabby’s safety was left unprotected. Shortly after, she was found murdered.

You Are Not Alone

A Personal Story of Survival

Like Gabby, I too experienced a painful failure of the systems meant to protect us but I was lucky I came out alive. In 2008, I was assaulted by a family member, and when I called the police for help, they did not respond by protecting me. Instead, they issued me a ticket, turning my cry for help into an accusation. The police failed to see me as a person in need of safety, and my parents did nothing to protect me either. This experience showed me that, far too often, domestic violence against women is not just ignored but subtly encouraged by societal norms. In environments where women are seen as property, their safety and voices are routinely dismissed.

This culture that minimizes the experiences of women—and even allows violence against them—creates an environment where abuse can thrive unchecked. It’s my mission, through Healing Beyond Faith, to shed light on these issues and provide resources for those who have been through similar experiences. No one should ever feel unheard or unprotected in moments of vulnerability.

If you have experienced anything like this, know that you are not alone. There is help and support, even if it doesn’t come from those who should have protected you. This page is dedicated to providing resources, guidance, and support for anyone in need of a safe space and a way forward.

Immediate Support and Helplines

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support and assistance, the following hotlines are available 24/7:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Utah Domestic Violence Coalition’s LINKLine

    • Phone: 1-800-897-LINK (5465)

    • Website: udvc.org

Local Utah Resources

Northern Utah

  • Safe Harbor Crisis Center (Davis County)

    • Services: Provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and therapeutic services, including support with protective orders, safety planning, and community referrals.

    • Phone: 801-444-9161

    • Website: safeharborhope.org

  • YWCA Utah (Salt Lake City)

    • Services: Offers shelter, counseling, and legal resources for domestic violence survivors in Salt Lake City.

    • Phone: 801-537-8600

    • Website: ywcautah.org

Central Utah

  • Canyon Creek Services (Iron, Beaver, and Garfield Counties)

    • Services: Provides crisis intervention, shelter, outreach programs, and educational resources for individuals facing domestic violence.

    • Phone: 435-233-5732

    • Website: canyoncreekservices.org

Southern Utah

  • DOVE Center (Washington & Kane Counties)

    • Services: Offers emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

    • Phone: 435-628-0458

    • Website: dovecenter.org

  • Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center (Grand County)

    • Services: Provides a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, and legal advocacy in Grand County and southeastern Utah.

    • Phone: 435-259-2229

    • Website: seekhaven.org

Statewide Assistance

  • Utah Legal Services

    • Services: Offers legal help for low-income individuals facing domestic violence, including assistance with protective orders, custody, and other family law matters.

    • Phone: 801-328-8891

    • Website: utahlegalservices.org

  • Voices for Utah Children

    • Services: Provides advocacy and support for child protection in situations involving domestic violence.

    • Phone: 801-364-1182

    • Website: utahchildren.org

Legal Assistance and Protective Orders

Understanding your legal rights can be empowering in seeking justice and protection:

  • Protective Orders in Utah: Survivors can file for a protective order through Utah’s court system to prevent further abuse. Utah Legal Services and the Utah Courts website provide guidance on obtaining protective orders.

    • Protective Orders Resource: Utah Courts Protective Orders

  • Legal Aid Organizations: Contact Utah Legal Services for assistance with family law issues related to domestic violence.

Support Groups and Community Resources

Connecting with a supportive community can be immensely healing for survivors:

  • Southern Utah Support Group for Domestic Violence Survivors

    • A support group offering peer guidance and a safe space for survivors to share experiences. Contact the DOVE Center for details on meetings.

    • Phone: 435-628-0458

    • Website: dovecenter.org

  • Virtual Support Groups: Platforms like SupportGroups.com offer online forums for those needing support but unable to attend in-person meetings.

Volunteer Opportunities

For those who wish to support survivors, volunteering at local organizations is a meaningful way to get involved:

  • DOVE Center

    • Opportunities: Volunteer in crisis support, event organization, or advocacy. Contact their Volunteer Coordinator to apply.

    • Phone: 435-628-1204

    • Website: dovecenter.org

  • Canyon Creek Services

    • Opportunities: Volunteers can assist with outreach, prevention, and crisis response programs.

    • Phone: 435-867-9411

    • Website: canyoncreekservices.org