Domestic violence occurs in homes throughout our community. It knows no boundaries of color, gender, age, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation.

It happens in all types of relationships – to married couples, within families, to intimate partners living together, to roommates, and to dating couples. The abuse can be physical, mental, sexual, emotional, financial, verbal, or electronic. 

DOVE Center provides safe shelter and trauma-informed care to achieve empowerment, hope, and independence.

You can help DOVE center provide survivors with safe shelter and trauma-informed care to achieve empowerment, hope, and independence.

Ray and I hope that others will join us in supporting DOVE to ensure resources are available when someone reaches out for help.

Bill Cox, DOVE Supporter

Join DOVE Center in raising awareness and removing stigma around domestic violence by participating in these Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events! Become an advocate – speak up and offer resources when you see signs of an abusive relationship. If you have questions about these events, please email youth_prevention@dovecenter.org. Thank you for your support!

Polish it Purple – all October- A great way to start a conversation about DV

  • Spread awareness about DV by incorporating purple into your fingernail designs

  • Post a picture with #DVAMwithDOVE to show you support survivors

St. George Market – A free, family-friendly community event
October 8, 2022 9am-6pm

Town Square Park
100 W Tabernacle

  • Stop by DOVE Center’s table for swag and learn about our services, DOVE’s Safe Pet Program, and Utah’s new Pet Protective Order bill.

Mall-O-Ween – Trick or Treat at a Free, Family Event
October 31, 2022 – 5-7pm
Red Cliffs Mall

  • Stop by DOVE Center’s table to get some treats and learn why relationships shouldn’t be scary!

Go Purple Day! Show your support of DV survivors and start a conversation
October 14, 2022

  • Wear purple on Friday, October 14, 2022 – Then post a picture of you, your coworkers and/or friends wearing purple with #DVAMwithDOVE

Empty Shoe Exhibit- Free and open to the public
October 17-21, 2022
Utah Tech University
Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons and Library Lobby
225 S University Ave, 225 S 700 E, St. George, UT

  • A sobering display of shoes representing Utahns who lost their lives to DV
  • Pick up free dating violence and domestic violence resources

A Light in the Darkness – stand with those impacted by domestic abuse and sexual assault
October 18, 2022 6:30pm
Clock Tower Plaza at Utah Tech University
Parking available nearby at 225 S 700 E (Clock Tower Plaza is adjacent to the library)

  • Open to the community, the vigil will include a musical number, a DV survivor and Utah Tech’s new security Chief.

DV Stats

  • 1 in 3 Utah women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime
  • There is approximately one DV-related homicide each month in Utah
  • Women are 10 times more likely than men to die from domestic violence
  • 21.4% of Utah men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes
  • Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
  • Over 90% of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, and 63% have been victims of intimate partner violence as adults.

Warning Signs of Abuse in Relationships

  • Jealousy
  • Controlling and possessive actions
  • Quick involvement – strong feelings or commitment early on
  • Unpredictable mood swings
  • Explosive anger
  • Isolates you from friends and family
  • Verbally abusive
  • Breaks, strikes, or throws things when angry
  • Shows hypersensitivity
  • Believes in rigid sex roles
  • Blames others for his/her problems or feelings
  • Cruel to animals or children
  • Abused prior partners
  • Threatens violence (including against self, such as suicide threats)
  • One party makes excuses for partner’s abusive behavior or justifies it when others point it out
  • One party has to account for how he/she spends all of his/her time
  • One party forces the other to engage in unwanted sexual acts
  • Excessive phone calls, text messages, etc.
  • The abused party is visibly worried about his/her partner’s anticipated angry reaction to ordinary events
  • The abused party visibly changes his/her behavior or personality when in the other party’s presence