ST. GEORGE — October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In an effort to recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in Southern Utah and dispel victim-blaming myths, DOVE Center — a nonprofit committed to providing support and services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence — is encouraging the community to attend an upcoming educational event.
DOVE’s annual Empty Shoe Exhibit, featuring stories and shoes from victims of domestic violence to break the myths about domestic violence, will be on display October 16-20 in the Holland Lobby at Utah Tech University, according to a news release.
An official ceremony takes place on October 18 at 2:30 p.m., in the Gardner Conference Room D, at Utah Tech, with presentations from Susan Ertel, DOVE’s Board President, Jillian Penhale, DOVE’s Executive Director and a Utah Tech student survivor.
“This is an emotional and possibly triggering event to educate people that domestic violence can happen to anyone,” the release stated.
Current statistics show 1 in 3 women in Utah will experience intimate partner violence, while 1 in 4 men will experience the same. Since January of 2023, there have been 22 domestic violence related deaths in the state of Utah — which is higher than the past 5 years combined.
“Last year alone we had to turn away 45 victims from our services.” Penhale said. “So we are working to grow our housing options in order to meet the needs we are experiencing.”
Funds raised during the month of October will be used to provide free and inclusive trauma-informed services to survivors in Washington and Kane counties. These services include safe shelter, transitional housing, individual and family counseling, support groups and prevention education for youth. DOVE Center’s goal is to raise $45,000 throughout the month to represent the 45 who needed services and were turned away “to ensure we can meet each need in the coming years,” the press release said.
The DOVE Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, advocacy and counseling to survivors of domestic abuse, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, sex trafficking and stalking in Washington and Kane counties.
For more about the Dove Center, the services they provide, or information on how to donate, click here.
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