Most people volunteer or choose to go into “helping” professions because they want to make a difference in the lives of others. This is the very reason I serve on DOVE Center’s Hospital Advocate Response Team (HART). Over the years, I’ve enjoyed volunteering in a variety of ways- from schools and soup kitchens and church organizations, to a non-profit hospice for the indigent, and even a celebrity concert series. But of all the capacities in which I’ve served, hospital advocacy is currently the most meaningful for me.

As a survivor and victim’s advocate, working to empower others who have been victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault, I’ve spent a lot of time working one-on-one with survivors: learning their stories, advocating for their needs, helping them along their healing journeys, and witnessing so many courageous individuals pick up their broken pieces and begin to rebuild their lives from what feels like rock bottom.

Our understanding of domestic abuse and the issues surrounding it have evolved in the 25 years since DOVE Center first opened in 1994. Thanks to years of research, countless studies, and the amplification of survivor voices our society has advanced to have a better understanding of interpersonal violence. And the better we understand the issues surrounding and leading to such violence, the more equipped we are to hold perpetrators accountable, identify strategies to prevent violence, and support survivors.

One in three Utah women will experience some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The problem is rampant and close, and it is likely happening, has happened or will happen to someone close to you. Living with abuse can cause emotional, physical and mental distress. For many, companion pets can help relieve and heal that anguish.

DOVE Center has been awarded the Leadership & Organizational Credential Badge through UNA’s Nonprofit Organizational Credential program. Utah Nonprofits Association only awards badges to organizations that have proven best practices, and we are proud to be among the 6 other organizations to have received this recognition.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM, an opportunity to raise awareness and get involved. DOVE Center is a proud provider of services to survivors of sexual assault in the greater St. George area. Take part in one or more of the following events to...

We are facing uncertain times as the federal government shutdown continues with no immediate end in sight. DOVE Center is calling on the community to stand with survivors to help ensure that the critical services on which they rely will continue without interruption.

Increased healing and awareness, positive cultural awakening, and perpetrator accountability are all positive outcomes of the #MeToo revolution. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a downside that is emerging as well, and we have more work to do.

Last month, DOVE Center and DSU’s Women’s Resource Committee sponsored an interactive exhibit on campus called “What Were You Wearing,” the purpose of which is to dispel a victim-blaming myth that clothing somehow invites a sexual assault. Victims of crime are not...

“I see men and boys trying to outdo each other to see who’s more tough, more manly,” Rivers said. “But I believe a man is one who joins in the movement to end violence against women and children, who confronts those who commit the violence, who sets an example for boys and younger men, and who stands up to protect and respect women. That is a man.” ~Victor Rivas Rivers, 2018 guest presenter for DOVE’s 5th Annual Gala

At the end of each fiscal year we provide a report to inform donors, volunteers, and community members about our current financial position and funding sources, and highlight the year’s accomplishments. Below is a short letter of thanks from our Executive Director and Board of Trustees President that was included in our Annual Report. To view the entire report, click here.

They were the perfect family. You know, that family that has it all: the beautiful yard surrounded by the white picket fence, situated in an ideal neighborhood; nice cars, a boat, active in the community, the center of multiple social networks. Dad held a prominent professional position in the community, Mom was developing a high-powered career; they were raising beautiful children who were active in after-school activities and had busy social lives. Everyone admired their perfect life. In fact, many were envious and could only hope to one day have what this family had. Until the unthinkable happened.