Sandy uses purple, PSA video contest to raise domestic violence awareness


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SANDY — Hundreds of blue pinwheels and purple balloons garnished the front of the Sandy City Justice Court Building Tuesday to commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Volunteers spelled the word "kids" on the front lawn of the building using 401 pinwheels to create the letters. The pinwheels represent the 401 children in Sandy who witnessed domestic violence last year.

Two hundred ninety-six purple balloons were released, representing the adults in Sandy who experienced domestic assault last year. The visuals show the magnitude of domestic violence in the community, said Sandy Police Chief Kevin Thacker.

"It's one thing to stand up and say how many victims we had, but it's another thing to see all those balloons go up in the air," Thacker said. "It's a sobering image."

Domestic violence awareness events, like Sandy's, mourn people who have experienced domestic violence, celebrate those who have survived and offer a networking opportunity for those who give service to victims, said Jennifer Campbell, director of South Valley Services to End Family Violence.

"For years, domestic violence was shoved under the rug because people didn't want to address it, but that doesn't help," Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan said. "What we are trying to do is make people aware of what domestic violence is and the effect it has on families and on entire communities."

Children in abusive households often perceive domestic violence as normal and are involved in abusive relationships later in life, Dolan said. Sandy created outreach programs and classes to educate community members about the cycle of domestic violence.

Sandy's domestic incident reports increased by more than 70 this year, but Thacker said this could actually be a good thing. It may not indicate an increase in violence but an increase of victims' understanding and willingness to report it.


For years, domestic violence was shoved under the rug because people didn't want to address it, but that doesn't help. What we are trying to do is make people aware of what domestic violence is and the effect it has on families and on entire communities.

–Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan


Natalie Antonetti, 14, participated in one of Sandy's most recent domestic violence awareness outreaches, a public service announcement video contest for youth. She said making the video helped her to realize what domestic violence is so she can help her friends if they go through it or recognize domestic violence if it happens to her.

Antonetti's video won the competition and was shown Tuesday. She said she hopes her video can educate others.

Campbell said the best way to help someone in a domestic violence situation is to know what resources that are available, such as police and service providers. She said it is also important to listen to and believe the victim.

"By stepping back from our judgment and listening to individuals and what their needs are, it allows people to find what they are looking for, so if they are ready for the police, they can feel supported, and if they are not, they can feel supported in whatever that looks like, as well," Campbell said.

Resources for victims of domestic violence
  • The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition has a statewide, 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
  • The Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect the family with community resources. Their goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe," according to their website. Visitdcfs.utah.gov/questions/or call 1-800-323-DCFS (3237) for resources or to report child abuse or neglect.
  • The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.

Contributing: Mike Anderson


Tori Jorgensen is a Deseret News intern and current communications major at Southern Utah University. Find her on Twitter @TORIAjorgensen Email: vjorgensen@deseretnews.com

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