Criminal Justice
Domestic Violence is a Public Safety Issue
It not only affects those that are abused, but also has a substantial and tragic effect on family members, friends, co-workers, children, and other witnesses. Domestic violence is not a private matter – it adversely affects communities.
Law enforcement officers often represent the first line of intervention for victims of domestic violence and their families. The overall goal of law enforcement is to enforce the law, which extends to stopping the act of violence that is in progress, ensuring the safety of the victim and others affected by the violence, and arresting the offender. Because of their close involvement with victims and offenders, officers are one of the key components of the coordinated community response against domestic violence and a critical element in keeping victims safe and holding abusers accountable.
Collaborative Partnership
The Utah Domestic Violence Council has had collaborative partnership with Utah law enforcement and the criminal justice system in the fight against domestic violence. Some ways in which we have worked together include:
- Partnered with the Board of Pardons to provide a training on the dynamics of domestic violence and providing a victim centered approach.
- Partnered with the Administrative Office of the Courts to provide domestic violence dynamics training to District Court Judges and the Utah Supreme Court Judges. The training session was recorded to provide judges an opportunity to participate via a webinar.
- Collaborated with several local coalitions and law enforcement agencies to provide training to law enforcement, judges, and or commissioners in Cache, Carbon, Davis, Grand, Tooele, and Uintah Counties on topics such as Stalking, Domestic Violence Dynamics, and Risks, Benefits, and Solutions of Technology within Intimate Partner Violence.
- UDVC provides scholarships to law enforcement agencies to attend the 3 day Domestic Violence Live Basic Training.
- UDVC participates with SWAVO (Statewide Advocate Victim Organization) steering committee which provides valuable training to advocates statewide. This includes police, prosecution, and community-based advocates.
Legal & Criminal Justice Resources
American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice
Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake
Utah Domestic Violence Related Laws
- Cohabitant Abuse Act : Title 77, Chapter 36 (Formerly: Title 30, Chapter 6)
- Cohabitant Abuse Procedures Act: Title 77, Chapter 36
- Domestic Violence Definition: Title 77, Chapter 36, Section 1
- Stalking Definition: Title 76, Chapter 5, Section 106.5
- Healthcare Provider Reporting Act: Title 26, Chapter 23a
- Mandatory Reporting Act for Vulnerable Adults: Title 76, Chapter 5, Section 111.1
- Commission of Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child: Title 76, Chapter 5, Section 109.1